Vietnam affirms value of Buddhism on International Day of Vesak

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, praised the values of Buddhism during an event to celebrate the International Day of Vesak held in New York on May 2.

“Traversing time and space, crossing national borders, the values of Buddhism have strengthened the bonds among nations, building a firm foundation for a more peaceful and compassionate world,” the Ambassador said in her speech.

She stressed that in today's world where conflicts, inequality and poverty still persist, Lord Buddha’s teachings guide us on the pathway to overcome challenges through kindness and mutual understanding. People are inspired by his teachings to keep up the aspiration and strong determination to achieve equality, sustainable peace and development for all.

vietnam affirms value of buddhism on international day of vesak hinh 0
Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations 

Talking about the religion’s role in Vietnam, Nga said for more than 2000 years since Buddhism was introduced to Vietnam, Buddhism has always represented a strong force for peace and harmony in the country’s society, making great contributions to the course of national defence, construction and development.

The ambassador took the occasion to reiterate that Vietnam pursues the consistent policy of respecting and creating favourable conditions for the people to exercise their right to freedom of belief and religion, promoting mutual respect, unity and harmony among religions as well as cultural and moral values of each and every religion.

“All religions, however diverse, converge in the common aspiration for the development of the whole nation and the betterment of peoples' lives,” she said. 

In his remark, President of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak underscored the importance of “timeless principles” of Buddhism to the work of the UN, saying that they offer insights and ideals on improving the planet and show people the way to a more sustainable future.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also highlighted Buddhism’s emphasis on non-violence as a powerful call for peace and said the Buddhist world view teaches people to see themselves as a part of this world and not as its matters.

The focus in Buddhism on the inherent dignity of life finds resonance today in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said, urging everyone commit to overcome differences, care for the most venerable and truly leave no one behind.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in which it recognised the Day of Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon, to acknowledge the contributions that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.