– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
2 July 2020
Mr Secretary-General,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to begin by thanking the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand for giving us the opportunity today to virtually commemorate the international Day of Vesak. I also wish to extend my warm greetings to all Buddhist communities following this event – I wish you all a solemn and peaceful remembrance of the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha.
We have come together to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that Buddhism gives to the future wellbeing on all of us, which have been going on for 2,5 millennia.
The observance of Vesak Day, which takes place in the month of May, had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This pandemic is putting the world under enormous strain and affecting everyone’s life. Many have lost loved ones while communities and nations struggle to cope with the socio-economic effects of the pandemic.
We are facing a global health crisis unlike any other in the 75-year history of the United Nations and it affects all of us.
In times of great anxiety, faith can be a significant source of comfort and community resilience. Buddhist teachings and guided practices, such as “give, even if you have a little”, can be a balm for those grappling with the pandemic today.
May this commemoration serves as occasion to remind ourselves of the importance of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding – that are enshrined in the Buddhist teachings. These are also among the values that the United Nations have been promoting and advancing throughout the world
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
May this year’s Vesak Day commemoration remind us all to uphold the values of kindness, compassion and empathy.
In today’s interconnected and multifaceted world, differences and diversity, one will manage and enriches societies both materially and spiritually.
May this commemoration serves as occasion to remind ourselves of the importance of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding – that are enshrined in the Buddhist teachings. These are also among the values that the United Nations have been promoting and advancing throughout the world. I believe that by promoting these values we will enthrone peaceful coexistence in diversity.
Thank you.
