HCMC – Thousands of international and local delegates gathered in HCMC on May 6 as the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 got started, spotlighting Buddhist teachings in the pursuit of world peace and sustainability.
Under the theme “Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development” the event has attracted more than 2,700 delegates, with more than 1,300 of them coming from 85 countries and territories.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong attended the event’s opening ceremony, highlighting the significance of core Buddhist principles—compassion, unity, and wisdom—in tackling global challenges. He remarked that this year’s theme reflects a strong commitment to humanitarian values and international cooperation.
The UN Day of Vesak, which commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, is being observed on May 6-8 with a series of cultural, spiritual, and academic activities.
Sacred relics of the Buddha, which are regarded as national treasures of India, have been brought to Vietnam for the first time. The relics are on display at Thanh Tam Pagoda in HCMC from May 2 to 8, and will later be moved to other locations across the country for public veneration.
In addition, the heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc has been enshrined at Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda, providing an opportunity for followers to pay tribute to one of Vietnam’s most venerated Buddhist figures.
This marks the fourth time Vietnam has hosted the United Nations Day of Vesak, following the earlier editions in 2008 (Hanoi City), 2014 (Ninh Binh Province), and 2019 (Ha Nam Province).
