The Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City hosted the United Nations 2025 Vesak Day celebrations, which became a focal point for global spiritual solidarity. Leaders from 85 countries gathered to discuss the theme of this year’s event: “Unity and Tolerance, Upholding Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development”. The event highlighted the transformative power of Buddhist teachings in addressing contemporary social challenges.
Global leaders highlight Buddhist teachings
During the celebration, India’s Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale spoke about the significant impact of Buddhist teachings in promoting justice, equality and compassion in today’s world. His remarks resonated with many attendees, who believed that these principles could lead societies towards greater harmony.
Speakers from all continents stressed the importance of Buddhist wisdom in addressing pressing global issues. Topics discussed included the role of Buddhist education, environmental advocacy, mental health and the importance of nurturing the younger generation to pass on the Buddhist teachings.
The event included speeches from leaders of international Buddhist organizations, who elaborated on the core themes of the celebration. Their speeches emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among Buddhist communities around the world. The gathering provided a platform to share insights and strategies for addressing pressing challenges, reinforcing the idea that Buddhist teachings can promote a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Prayer Ceremony and Plenary Sessions
The event opened with a chanting ceremony by Vajrayana Buddhist monks from India. The ceremony had deep spiritual significance, symbolizing harmony and respect between different Buddhist traditions. Following the chanting ceremony, leaders and government representatives spoke in plenary sessions. The leaders stressed the vital role Buddhist thought plays in fostering compassionate societies and addressing global challenges such as war, poverty and climate change.
Venerable Thich Thien Nin, Vice-President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha and Chairman of the Executive Committee, attended the event along with other prominent figures in the Buddhist community. Their presence highlighted the importance of Vesak celebrations in promoting dialogue and understanding between different cultures and traditions.
Messages of Hope and Action
Several speakers stressed the importance of global cooperation among Buddhist traditions. Venerable Jeong Beom, Acting Chairman of the Korea Overseas Affairs Headquarters, stressed the importance of solidarity and mutual assistance.
Karsai Gábor Zsolt, associate professor from Hungary, spoke about the role of Buddhist education in modern society, while Guerrero Diañez, president of the Spanish Buddhist Association, expressed hope that the younger generation will promote Buddhist teachings in the West.
Other notable speeches included: Gerhard Weisgrab, president of the Austrian Buddhist Union, called for environmental action; and Ricardo Vieira Sasaki, director of the Nalanda Buddhist Studies Center in Brazil, emphasized the healing effect of Buddhism on the mental health of the community. These speeches reflected a shared commitment to address contemporary issues based on Buddhist teachings and build a more compassionate world.
The 2025 Vesak celebration will continue to serve as an important platform to promote Buddhist values and encourage cooperation among diverse communities. As the event progresses, it aims to inspire individuals and organizations to work together to create a peaceful and sustainable future.
