Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly
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Commemoration of the International Day of Vesak (marked on 5 May)
18 May 2023
(As delivered)
Chair, my dear friend,
Excellencies,
Venerable monks,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I extend my best wishes to all of you and the many millions who mark Vesak around the globe.
As we heard, it is a day of commemoration and celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
As we are facing complex and cascading crises, let us reflect on the teachings of Buddha, such as non-violence, compassion, and respect for all living.
As he once said, “One day you’ll just be a memory for some people, do your best to be a good one”.
For that, we should see all the realities of our lives – including inequities, conflicts, selfishness and intolerance.
I urge us to set aside our differences and, in the spirit of this sacred day, work towards the promotion of peace, harmony, and the common good.
These are also the pillars of our aspirations at the United Nations, as we strive to create a planet free from fear and violence, where all can live in prosperity, and dignity.
Likewise, the ideals of Buddha fully align with our SDGs, as we just heard – the keys to making our world sustainable, just and equitable.
Let me once again wish you a happy Vesak Day.
And allow me to quote one of Buddha’s sayings, “Life has many different chapters, don’t let one bad chapter end the book.”
I thank you.
