 At the press conference on UN Day of Vesak 2025 Vietnam (Photo: VOV) |
The three-day UN Day of Vesak 2025 celebration will welcome 1,300 delegates from 85 countries and territories, including heads of state, leaders of Buddhist organizations, and prominent scholars and researchers.
Nguyen Duy Tan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religious Affairs, said: “We’ve designated a large space and upgraded infrastructure for cultural programs, exhibitions, and other activities, and mobilized public support. One local household donated several hundred square meters of land for roads leading to the main festival area and the Buddhist Academy. This noble gesture was a major contribution to the success of Vesak 2025.”
 Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien - Vice President and Secretary General of the Executive Council of the Buddhist Sangha, Vice President and Secretary General of the United Nations Vesak Organizing Committee.
(Photo: VOV) |
Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President and Secretary General of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said: “The global Buddhist community holds in high regard the celebration of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam. Vietnam has organized three previous Vesak events. This year, we’ve received confirmations and speeches from the President of Sri Lanka, the Deputy Prime Minister of Croatia, and government representatives from India, Cambodia, and other nations.”
Venerable Dhammaratana, Permanent Vice President of the International Organizing Committee for the UN Day of Vesak, who visited Vietnam three times during the preparations, praised Vietnam’s efforts.
He said: "This year, people from all over the world—both Buddhists and non-Buddhists—are turning their attention to Vietnam. Some of them may not follow Buddhism, but they still admire the Buddha. And this year, they all look toward Vietnam, because the United Nations Day of Vesak will happen in this beautiful country. For anyone devoted to Sakyamuni Buddha, this is a meaningful moment. Happiness will not be limited to Vietnamese people or to Buddhists alone. All Bodhisattvas will rejoice in hearing that this great celebration is happening at this beautiful country."
Its careful and thorough preparation for the Vesak 2025 celebration will promote Vietnam’s image as a peace-loving, friendly, and harmonious nation, its commitment to religious freedom, and the dynamism and creativity of Ho Chi Minh City.