UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025 begin in Vietnam, spotlighting Buddhist values for global peace

The UN Day of Vesak 2025, co-organized by the International Council for the United Nations Day of Vesak (ICDV) and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, marks the fourth time Vietnam has been chosen as the host nation.

Under the theme ‘Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,’ this year’s three-day celebration is expected to gather more than 2,700 delegates, including approximately 1,200 international guests from 85 countries and territories.

The opening ceremony was attended by State President of Vietnam Luong Cuong, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, former Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang, senior Vietnamese officials, and high-ranking Buddhist dignitaries including Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, president of the ICDV.

Delivering the Vesak message, Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang emphasized the sacred significance of venerating the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni and the preserved heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc—both symbols of spiritual awakening and sacrifice.

He praised Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated in 1963, as a living testament to Vietnamese Buddhism’s enduring role in Vietnam’s struggle for peace and unity.

Highlighting the Buddhist philosophy of Sammagga (unity) and Khanti (tolerance), Thich Tri Quang stressed that these are not only spiritual ideals but vital tools for building harmonious societies.

Quoting the Dhammapada, he noted, “Hatred cannot be overcome by hatred. Only love can conquer hatred.”

State President Luong Cuong echoed this message in his welcome speech, underlining the importance of the Vesak 2025 celebrations amid global uncertainties and shortly after the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day on April 30.

Cuong reaffirmed the Vietnamese government’s support for religious freedom and harmony, noting that such values are essential to fostering national unity.

“As the host country, Vietnam hopes the 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025 will be a success—offering fruitful exchanges, meaningful experiences, and a deeper understanding of our people and culture,” the top Vietnamese leader said.

“True peace must come from inner peace. Let compassion guide our policies and selflessness shape our actions,” he added.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Deputy Supreme Patriarch, president of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and chair of the Vesak 2025 organizing committee, recalled Vietnamese Buddhism’s proud role in the nation’s history.

Nhon emphasized that the legacy of figures like Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc continues to inspire a society rooted in peace, solidarity, and spiritual resilience.

ICDV President Phra Brahmapundit commended Vietnam’s hosting efforts and stressed that Vesak serves as a vital platform for global Buddhists to discuss shared challenges, foster unity, and promote mutual learning for sustainable spiritual and social development.