At a press conference held in Hanoi on October 11, President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon said that this is an important event which will help to enhance the VBS’ role in international integration and affirm Vietnam’s responsibilities in the United Nations.
Vietnam will host the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations from May 12-14 next year. (Photo for illustration)
This will be the third time Vietnam hosts the Vesak Celebrations, he said, adding that the previous events, organised in Hanoi (2008) and Ninh Binh province (2014), left lasting impressions on the attending international friends.
Themed “Buddhism’s approach to global leadership and sharing responsibility for a sustainable society”, the Vesak Celebrations and international conference will welcome around 10,000 participants, including 1,500 dignitaries, leaders of Buddhist sects, and scholars and researchers from 100 countries and territories worldwide.
They will get together to discuss global peace, stability, and the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Buddhist population.
The first preparatory meeting is underway in Hanoi on October 11-12, with the attendance of more than 150 representatives from Cambodia, China, France, Hungary, India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the US.
Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), said that the council will support Vietnam to organise a successful event.