Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations (Photo: VNA)

Talking about the religion’s role in Vietnam, Nga said that in the 2000 years since Buddhism was introduced to Vietnam, Buddhism has always represented a strong force for peace and harmony in Vietnamese society, making great contributions to national defence, construction, and development. The ambassador said Vietnam pursues a consistent policy of respecting and creating favorable conditions for people to exercise their right to freedom of belief and religion, promoting mutual respect, unity, and harmony between religions, as well as the cultural and moral values of all religions.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the focus in Buddhism on the inherent dignity of life finds resonance today in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He urged everyone to commit to overcoming their differences and care for the most venerable, truly leaving no one behind.