The UN Day of Vesak 2019 is held in Ha Nam province, Vietnam

Under the theme “Buddhism's Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies”, the UN Day of Vesak 2019 exemplifies the international community’s joint efforts to build peace, promote friendship, and eliminate conflicts.

Vietnam Buddhism contributes to world peace

High on the agenda of the event are responsible leadership for sustainable peace; Buddhism’s approaches to family, health care, sustainable society, education and morality; and recommendations for addressing global issues. Most Venerable Thich Hue Thong, Deputy Secretary General of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said: “The UN Vesak Day discusses Buddhism’s approaches to global leadership and shared responsibility. The event shows that the UN and world leaders attach importance to humanitarian values and Buddhist philosophy in creating a sustainable society. We have organized seminars on Buddhism’s contributions to global leadership to help ensure a sustainable life for everyone.”

Foreign delegates said the theme of the UN Day of Vesak 2019 proposed by Vietnam reflects current world affairs in which conflicts and famine are the major problems. It calls on everyone to contribute their compassion and wisdom to serve global growth. More than 500 presentations by foreign and Vietnamese scholars were conducted at the event. Most Venerable Thich Giac Toan, Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said: “We all want to uphold the spirit and beauty of Buddhism to ensure peace for humankind. This is what the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha wants to do to contribute to the beauty of Buddhism all over the world.”

Vietnamese impression

Most Venerable Thich Nhat Tu, Deputy Chairman of the International Buddhism Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said: “The UN Day of Vesak has been held in Thailand 12 times and once in Sri Lanka. Hosting the event for the third time is evidence of Vietnam Buddhism’s achievements in external relations. The lesson we have learned is that with sincere commitment and respect, we can draw the participation of the Buddhist community around the world.”

Vietnamese and foreign Buddhist dignitaries and followers praised Vietnam’s successful hosting of two previous festivals and its contribution to the development of Buddhism worldwide.

The festival creates an opportunity to promote the image of Vietnam’s beautiful land and friendly people and shows that Vietnam is a proactive, responsible member of the UN.