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Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand to the United Nations jointly hosted a commemorative event marking the International Day of Vesak 2026 on May 12 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Welcoming delegates from UN Member States and invited guests, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya, said Lord Buddha demonstrated the true potential of the human mind and left behind teachings that offer a path toward “peaceful, meaningful and compassionate living.”
Jayasuriya noted that the teachings of Lord Buddha continue to inspire millions across the world through the enduring values of “compassion, wisdom, tolerance and peace.” He also highlighted that, according to traditional Buddhist sources, Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka three times during his lifetime.
“These visits are foundational to Sri Lankan Buddhist identity and considered as sacred acts intended to bless my motherland,” he said. “Significantly, two of these visits were undertaken to intercede conflicts and disputes among local tribes and rulers, thereby emphasizing the Buddha’s role as a mediator of peace, reconciliation and harmony.”
He added that Buddha’s teachings on “nonviolence” remain especially relevant in the context of modern governance.
Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in his video message, said Vesak comes at a time when the global community is facing “geopolitical tensions, division and conflict.” Recalling his visit to Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in 2023, Guterres said, “It reinforced my conviction that the antidote to this turmoil can be found in his timeless teachings of non-violence, compassion and service to others.”
Representing President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, Chef de Cabinet Sophia Borges extended greetings to Buddhists around the world. She said the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on how Buddha’s teachings continue to speak to present-day global realities. “At a time of deep uncertainty and division, the Buddha’s wisdom continues to resonate across cultures, religions and societies,” Borges said.
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Songsak Thongsri, said in a video message that Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. “These are defining moments that embody the journey from ignorance to wisdom and from suffering to peace,” he said, adding that the observance encourages reflection and renewal during times of uncertainty.
“We are without question living through such a time. Conflict, suffering and division have become part of our shared reality. In this context, the Buddha’s teachings offer a guiding light to help us navigate the path ahead,” he added.
Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, thanked the Permanent Missions of Thailand and Sri Lanka for organizing the event.
Referring to the sermon delivered by Most Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, he said, “I am deeply privileged to listen to the sermons of Most Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara. In an environment of discord and distrust, the walk for peace led by your Venerance in February this year was a source of both inspiration and solace.”
Harish added that the event transforms the ECOSOC Chamber into a “Chamber of Peace, Compassion and Loving Kindness” through the presence of monks and nuns from around the world.
The Ambassador emphasized that the teachings of Lord Buddha remain highly relevant in a world facing “uncertainty, suspicion, division and conflict.” He said the Buddha’s message reminds humanity that peace begins within individuals before extending outward to families, communities, and nations.
Discussing Buddhist philosophy, Harish noted that the Four Noble Truths encourage self-awareness and recognition of the world’s interdependence. “The former helps us reflect and identify the root cause of issues – critical to resolve discord and the latter compels us to find solutions that are mutually beneficial – vital for a sustainable solution,” he said.
He also highlighted India’s efforts to preserve and promote Buddhist teachings globally, noting that the Government of India has facilitated two major expositions of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Southeast Asia over the past two years at the request of partner countries.
Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, praised the Sri Lankan and Thai missions for convening the event commemorating Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima. Extending greetings to delegates and Buddhist communities worldwide, he said Vesak is “a universal tribute to Lord Buddha, the ‘Light of Asia.’”
Thapa said Vesak serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings on “compassion, nonviolence, tolerance, mindfulness, and the pursuit of wisdom,” values he described as universal and relevant across cultures and faiths.
Referring to ongoing global challenges including conflict, inequality, mistrust, climate issues, and social polarization, he said Vesak encourages the international community to rediscover the moral principles necessary for peaceful coexistence.
Thapa also highlighted Nepal’s spiritual connection to the occasion, emphasizing that Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of “peace, spiritual reflection, renewal, and our shared cultural heritage.”
On the occasion, he underscored five key messages inspired by Buddha’s teachings: “Lord Buddha reminds us that peace begins within and must be consciously cultivated; Compassion must guide our responses; Mindfulness must guide our decision-making; Unity must overcome division; and Sustainability must define progress, for it is our collective moral responsibility.”
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Vesak Day reminds the international community of Buddha’s enduring message of mindfulness, peace, compassion, and love. He noted that amid growing “conflict, division and spiritual uncertainty,” the relevance of Buddha’s teachings has become even more significant.
