Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the General Assembly resolution 54/115, International recognition of the Day of Vesak
[As Delivered]
20 May 2024
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
On the occasion of Vesak Day, I convey my warmest greetings to Buddhists around the world.
Vesak Day – commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha.
And I express my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand for co-hosting this year’s commemoration – a truly special occasion as we mark 25 years since the adoption of General Assembly resolution 54/115, which first recognized the International Day in the year 2000.
On this important day of reflection and growth, let us come together in unity and solidarity to celebrate the humanist values that define Buddhism: peace, tolerance, harmony, and understanding.
Our world today seems caught in a spiral of increasing hate, intolerance, and discrimination, breeding misunderstanding and mistrust – and may well have an effect on the mental health of individuals while threatening the cohesiveness of society.
In the spirit of peaceful coexistence and international cooperation, Vesak Day is a reminder to us all of the need to foster understanding among peoples of diverse religions, cultures, and civilizations – in pursuit of our shared vision of a more just and resilient world.
On this Vesak Day, let us draw inspiration from the Buddhist teachings of tolerance, compassion and service.
Let us resolve to not only set aside our differences but instead to surmount our differences by valuing and respecting our rich humanity in diversity.
Let us do our part, in earnest, to ensure a future of peace and dignity for all people, everywhere – without exception.
I thank you.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the General Assembly resolution 54/115 which recognized the day of Vesak internationally, an event was co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand at the ECOSOC Chamber of the United Nations Headquarters on 20 May 2024.
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