To provide a vehicle for promoting Kadampa Buddhism throughout the world, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso founded the New Kadampa Tradition, the International Kadampa Buddhist Union.

It is an international association of Buddhist Centers and practitioners that derive their inspiration and guidance from the example of the ancient Kadampa Buddhist Masters and their teachings, as presented by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Each centre offers Study Programmes, meditation instruction, and retreats for all levels of practitioner. These emphasise integrating Buddha's teachings into daily life in order to solve human problems and spread lasting peace and happiness throughout the world.

Every year Kadampa centres worldwide organize major international Festivals in different countries. These festivals provide the opportunity for people of all nationalities to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and senior Kadampa teachers.

Kadampa Buddhist centres also support the International Temples Project which aims to build a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in every major city of the world.