President Lương Cường Opens UN Day of Vesak 2025 in HCM City

HCM City, The Gulf Observer: President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Lương Cường, on Tuesday inaugurated the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, reaffirming the nation’s steadfast commitment to protecting freedom of belief and religion while promoting global unity and sustainable peace.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Cường highlighted the consistent stance of the Vietnamese Party and State in respecting and safeguarding the rights of all citizens to freely practice their beliefs and religions, including Buddhism. “The Party and State of Vietnam highly value and create favourable conditions for religions, including Buddhism, to operate within the framework of the law,” he stated, adding that such respect is a vital pillar for consolidating great national unity.

President Cường extended a warm welcome to state leaders, high-ranking government officials, representatives of international organisations, and Buddhist dignitaries from around the globe. He also acknowledged the presence of Vietnamese Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers both domestically and abroad, calling their attendance a testament to the enduring spirit of solidarity, compassion, and harmony.

Describing Vesak as a major international religious event of profound significance, the President praised the 2025 theme: “Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development.” He stressed that this message comes at a crucial moment as the world grapples with pressing issues such as armed conflicts, inequality, climate change, and ethical degradation.

“The theme reflects the United Nations’ commitment to building a peaceful, cooperative, and progressive world while upholding values such as tolerance, compassion, and loving-kindness—values that have been nurtured by Buddhism for millennia,” he said.

President Cường noted that Vietnam, with a Buddhist heritage spanning over 2,000 years, has long regarded Buddhism as an integral part of its cultural and spiritual life. “Throughout our history, Buddhism has walked alongside the nation, embracing the spirit of protecting the country and bringing peace to the people,” he remarked, highlighting the religion’s role in fostering patriotism, tolerance, and moral integrity.

He commended the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) for preserving these traditions while actively contributing to national development and social progress. “Tens of thousands of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers have been at the forefront of charity, social welfare, disaster relief, environmental protection, and public health,” he said, adding that their work has significantly supported Vietnam’s efforts in achieving both the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.

President Cường also praised the VBS for successfully hosting this year’s UN Day of Vesak, which he said affirms Vietnamese Buddhism’s growing role in the global spiritual community. “This event reflects Vietnamese Buddhism’s dedication to peace, friendship, cooperation, and international integration,” he stated.

He expressed hope that the event would be a success, providing a platform for sharing experiences and strengthening global Buddhist solidarity. He further urged policymakers and religious communities alike to let compassion shape public policies and let wisdom guide development pathways. “Let us act not for personal gain but for the well-being of humanity,” he emphasized.

The opening ceremony welcomed notable international guests, including Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun, Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit—President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV)—as well as ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and over 2,700 delegates from 85 countries and territories, including 1,250 international participants.

Most Venerable Thích Trí Quảng, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, delivered a Vesak message calling upon Buddhists worldwide to practice compassion, spread wisdom, and work together toward building a peaceful and happy world.

In his address, Most Venerable Thích Thiện Nhơn, Vice Supreme Patriarch, President of the VBS Executive Council, and Chairman of the UN Vesak 2025 Organising Committee, underscored the urgency of the event’s theme. “This is a timely and humanitarian message that reflects the current era and the aspirations of the global Buddhist community,” he said, urging religious unity and collaborative efforts to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding.

Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit also emphasized the enduring relevance of Vesak since its recognition by the UN General Assembly in 1999, noting that the occasion serves as a vital forum for the global Buddhist community to reflect and act in unity. “This year’s Vesak calls upon us to confront global challenges with mindfulness, compassion, and shared resolve,” he concluded.