Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Venerable Monks,
Excellencies,
I would like to join the previous speakers in expressing my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Thailand for co-hosting this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Vesak. I also thank Mr. President of the 77th Session of the General Assembly for his presence.
Since the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution 54/115 in 1999, for more than two decades, the United Nations has acknowledged the contribution that Buddhism has made, for over two and a half millennia, to human spirituality. In this context, the annual observance of the International Day of Vesak here at the United Nations remains imperative and of great relevance. The commemoration of Vesak Day not only reaffirms the United Nations’ strong commitment to the principle of respect for diversity, but also promotes greater solidarity and understanding among humankind. It is also a true reflection of core value of the multilateralism and the United Nations.
As the international community continues to overcome numerous global challenges, increasing intolerance, armed conflicts, violence and suffering, the Buddhist approach to solving the global crises by peaceful means, especially the noble virtues of compassion, tolerance and understanding, are more crucial than ever. We firmly our believe that by continue to uphold our shared responsibility and morality, we must continue our collective actions to promote multilateralism, global peace, and solidarity.
Like in many countries, Buddhism has played very important role in every aspect of life for the people in Lao PDR, constituting fundamental cultural heritage and identities. In our peace-loving nation, Buddhism has played crucial role in promoting non-violence, peaceful co-existence, morality and mutual understanding, respect and harmony among people of various ethnic groups, thus contributing to the maintenance of peace, social order and well-being of the people.
In conclusion, I wish this year’s commemoration of Vesak Day will inspire all of us, the people of the United Nations, to renew our determination to promote global peace and solidarity, equality, compassion, tolerance, non-violence.
Happy International Day of Vesak. Thank you.
