UN Marks International Day of Vesak
	Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha meets Dalai Lama, extends invite for Vesak celebration in Vietnam

This meaningful international cultural diplomacy event coincides with Vietnam’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), as well as the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025).

Venerable Thich Duc Thien speaks at the press conference. (Photo: Thanh Luan)

Spreading message of national unity and tolerance

According to Venerable Thich Duc Thien, vice president and general secretary of the Organizing Committee for the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, this year’s theme “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development” conveys a profound humanistic message that the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha seeks to share with the international community amid global challenges such as war, conflict, climate change, and environmental crises. The message also aligns closely with the core objectives of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Agenda.

Recognized by the UN General Assembly in its 54th session on December 15, 1999, Vesak is a cultural and spiritual celebration for peace, commemorating three major events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. Since then, the Day of Vesak has become a vital global platform for promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among nations and religions.

The 2025 UN Day of Vesak is not only a celebration of the noble values of Buddhism but also an opportunity for Vietnam to share its message of national unity and tolerance—qualities that are deeply rooted in the country’s cultural identity.

Alongside the main theme, this year’s celebration features five sub-themes including Nurturing Inner Peace for World Peace; Forgiveness and Healing through Mindfulness: The Path of Reconciliation; Buddhist Compassion in Action: A Shared Responsibility for Human Development; Mindfulness in Education for a Compassionate and Sustainable Future; and Fostering Solidarity: Cooperative Efforts for Global Harmony.

According to Venerable Thich Duc Thien, the organizing committee has received 620 academic papers in English and 330 in Vietnamese, focusing on themes such as peace, sustainable development, and the application of Buddhist teachings in contemporary society.

1,250 international delegates

Venerable Thich Gia Quang, heads communications for Vesak 2025, said the celebration is expected to draw over 2,700 delegates from Vietnam and abroad. Among them are approximately 1,250 international delegates, including representatives from the United Nations, international organizations, heads of state, religious leaders, renowned scholars, and Buddhist organizations from 85 countries and territories.

“This event offers a chance for friends around the world to visit Ho Chi Minh City and witness a peaceful, friendly, united, and harmonious Vietnam. It is an opportunity to showcase the vibrant, innovative, and prosperous city that Ho Chi Minh City has become over 50 years of national reunification. Vietnam is integrating, developing, and advancing alongside the world in a new era,” said Venerable Thich Gia Quang.

The event also reaffirms the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State in respecting and guaranteeing freedom of belief and religion, while highlighting the vibrant and diverse religious life enjoyed by communities in Vietnam.

Through academic forums and cultural exchanges in both English and Vietnamese, international guests will gain deeper insight into the over 2,000-year journey of Vietnamese Buddhism alongside the nation. A special highlight will be the enshrinement and public veneration of the Sacred Heart Relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc—a powerful symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism’s spirit of compassion, sacrifice, and engagement in the national struggle for justice.

According to Venerable Thich Gia Quang, hosting the Day of Vesak also demonstrates the proactive role of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to enhanced understanding, cultural exchange, and cooperation between Vietnam and other nations. The Vesak 2025 Ho Chi Minh City Declaration is expected to be Vietnam’s meaningful contribution to the global mission for peace and sustainable development.

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