The celebration was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Thailand and Sri Lanka, alongside numerous ambassadors and heads of missions from UN member states, as well as a large gathering of international monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the 79th UN General Assembly Philemon Yang extended their congratulations to the event through official messages.

Speakers emphasised the timeless teachings and profound philosophy of the Buddha comprising compassion, wisdom, tolerance, and mindfulness, which continue to illuminate humanity’s path toward peace, mutual understanding, and respect for diversity.

These principles are not only a valuable spiritual and cultural heritage of humankind but also offer a moral foundation to guide global policies and actions, they noted.

In his address, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, highlighted the deep significance of Vesak in Vietnam, where Buddhism has been deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual life of the nation for over two millennia, rooted in the philosophy of “safeguarding the nation and bringing peace to the people.”

Amidst growing global challenges and profound upheavals, the diplomat stressed that the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace serve as a guiding light for humanity to overcome adversity and build a cohesive global community founded on mutual respect and sustainable development.

These noble values, he noted, are aligned with the core principles of the United Nations.

He also said that Vietnam has recently hosted United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, themed “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for Peace and Sustainable Development.” The celebration brought together Buddhist dignitaries and representatives from many countries.

Giang extended heartfelt greetings to Buddhist communities around the world and called on nations and peoples to join hands in spreading the spirit of compassion, harmony, and tolerance and working together to build a peaceful, just world where no one is left behind.

International Day of Vesak is an annual UN observance established in 1999 through UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115, that recognises the contributions of Buddhism to the spiritual life of humanity and to the collective efforts of the international community toward peace, cooperation, harmony, and sustainable development.

Vesak 2025 closes, adopts Ho Chi Minh City Declaration

VOV.VN - The United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 concluded in Ho Chi Minh City on May 8 with the adoption of a declaration that reaffirms the unwavering commitment to apply Buddhist wisdom, moral responsibility and collective action to bring about world peace, protect human dignity and sustain the well-being of the planet