12th International Vesak Day Commemoration at the United Nations: A Global Celebration of Buddhism’s Teachings on Peace, Compassion, and Prosperity

On June 5, 2015, under sunny skies and a serene atmosphere, the radiance of Buddha’s light shone brilliantly. At 5 PM, the 12th International Vesak Day Commemoration was held in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

This event was co-hosted by Thailand and Sri Lanka, renowned as Buddhist nations. Ambassadors and representatives from sixteen countries, including India, Indonesia, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Russia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, attended the event in person and delivered speeches on behalf of their nations. DAMI was also honored to be invited and sent representatives to participate in this international grand event.

The meeting was chaired by the ambassadors of Thailand and Sri Lanka. It proceeded in an orderly manner within a solemn and respectful atmosphere. The hosts began by explaining the origins of Vesak Day. Vesak commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana—a celebration of these three significant events.

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/115, officially designating Vesak as an annual global Buddhist celebration. The Buddha’s teachings of compassion, peace, and kindness have inspired millions worldwide. These noble ideals also resonate with the sentiments of people around the world and the representatives attending the event.

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations delivered a welcome speech, stating that wherever Buddhism spreads, it brings prosperity to civilization and stability to nations. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, making a significant contribution to the country’s civilization. Vesak Day is the most important festival in Sri Lanka, with various celebrations held across the country, where every Buddhist participates in the festivities.

Next, the monks prayed for the occasion. With their hands joined in reverence, the monks, along with the representatives from various countries and participants, recited scriptures, praying for world peace and prosperity, and wishing for the happiness and well-being of all people.

The Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly delivered a speech, highlighting that the teachings of the Buddha, from 2,500 years ago, remain highly relevant today for social stability and peaceful development. Buddhism respects the diversity of religions and advocates for the harmonious unity of existence and the environment to create a better future. She called for the continuation of efforts to eliminate poverty, inequality, and hunger.

The representative from Pakistan spoke about how the Vesak Festival, held on the full moon night of May, has become a major event for multicultural exchange in Pakistan. The spirit of Buddhism has deeply resonated within people’s hearts.

The representative from Bangladesh spoke about the positive development of Buddhism in the country, noting that the teachings of peace, fairness, justice, and compassion promoted by Buddhism foster religious harmony. Vesak has now become a public holiday in Bangladesh. Buddhism plays an important role in world peace and social stability.

The Vietnamese Ambassador discussed Buddhism’s contribution to the promotion and development of social harmony in Vietnam, and its role in combating the current economic crisis. Vietnam has successfully organized the 11th United Nations Vesak Day Commemoration.

The speech by the representative from Laos was deeply moving. He expressed concern for the Nepal earthquake and highlighted Buddhism’s important role in solving social issues such as hunger and safety.

Another representative talked about how Buddhism has permeated every aspect of society and culture, significantly impacting people’s lives. Buddhism emphasizes the rights of thought, consciousness, and religious freedom, a principle deeply ingrained in people’s hearts, and reflected in the United Nations Charter. The wisdom of Buddhism and its compassionate teachings have been integrated with other beliefs in Japan, promoting prosperity, development, and spreading globally.

Representatives from various countries all emphasized Buddhism’s contributions to their respective nations: Buddhism purifies people’s thoughts, integrates diverse cultures, reduces social disasters, brings joy to people, and promotes peace in society. It forms the foundation for harmonious coexistence among different races. This was a common view expressed by all representatives at the conference, showing the significant and far-reaching influence of Buddhism in countries around the world.

The DAMI representatives attended the conference with an attitude of learning, gaining insight into the development of Buddhism around the world. People worldwide love and need Buddhism. We see that many countries have made Vesak a national holiday, and ambassadors from those nations personally attend the Vesak conference, demonstrating the importance placed on Buddhism. The principles advocated by Buddhism—non-violence, compassion, tolerance, and understanding—align closely with the purposes of the United Nations. At the same time, the United Nations has given Vesak international recognition and holds annual celebrations, greatly promoting the development and prosperity of Buddhism in various countries.

Through the Buddhist development practices in various countries, we see that Buddhism is science, Buddhism is education, Buddhism is medicine… Buddhism is closely connected to people’s lives. Buddhism plays an immeasurable role in the stability, unity, and prosperity of a nation.

The historic responsibility of developing and promoting Buddhism rests on our shoulders, and the DAMI representatives all feel that the task is both heavy and long-term. Let us join hands, seize the opportunity of historical development, take on the mission, and move forward with courage, so that the Buddhist cause may flourish even more.