Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
13 May 2022
Excellencies,
Dear friends,
I am immensely grateful for the invitation to join you in commemorating the Day of Vesak. I thank the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand for organizing it.
Today, millions around the world mark this day, commemorating the life and legacy of the enlightened one.
He taught that we must always be mindful of our actions, draw upon our inner strength, and embrace the power of collective action. We would do well to heed these lessons as we confront today’s challenges, from climate change to a pandemic, to inequalities and conflict.
As we chart a path of recovery from the pandemic and find solutions to ongoing conflicts, let us embrace the virtues he emphasized throughout his life. Virtues such as renouncing aggression and bitterness; cherishing friendliness and benevolence; and working towards the benefit and happiness of others.
At its core, Vesak Day is about giving and sharing, and recognizing the vulnerable and poor. Let this be an inspiration to honor our commitments to equality. Whether with regard to ensuring equal access to vaccines or ending injustices against women and girls, and other marginalized groups, including racial minorities.
As we celebrate Vesak, let us be reminded of the Inexhaustible lamp “a lamp that can light up hundreds and thousands of other lamps…and bring about brightness that never fades.” In emulation of that lamp, through our commitments and action, guided by the values of the United Nations Charter let us light up a path of hope for the 8 billion constituents we serve.
With those sentiments, I wish you all a Happy Vesak Day!
