On February 27, 2014, at its headquarters, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) held a meeting of the Joint Working Group to help the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) host the United Nations Day of Vesak 2014 in Vietnam

Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of the GCRA chaired the meeting. Representatives from State ministries, central agencies and localities include: Mr. Bùi Thanh Hà, Vice Chairman of the GCRA, Mr. Bùi Thế Đức, Vice – Chairman of the Party’s Central Committee for Propagation and Education, Mr. Lê Bá Trình, Vice – Chairman of the Central Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front; Mr. Lê Văn Dung, Vice – Chairman of Ninh Binh People’s Committee, and leaders from Hanoi city, Ha Nam and Nam Dinh province. On the side of VBS there were Most Venerable Thích Thiện Nhơn, Standing Vice President of the Executive Council cum General Secretary of the VBS, Most Venerable Thích Thanh Nhiễu, Standing Vice President of Executive Council of the VBS; Venerable Thích Đức Thiện, Deputy General Secretary cum Chief of Office I of the VBS; Venerable Thich Thọ Lạc, Head of the Executive Board of the VBS’ Ninh Binh chapter.

The meeting assigned specific tasks and responsibilities to ministries, agencies and localities to help the VBS organize the UN Vesak Day. Members of the Joint Working Group also heard and commented on the General Plan of the Vesak Day which was presented by the representative from the VBS

Most Venerable Thích Đức Thiện speaks at the meeting

On behalf of the VBS, Venerable Thích Đức Thiện briefed the Joint Working Group preparation work for UN Vesak 2014. The UN Vesak Day 2014 will demonstrate the respect for religious freedom by the State and the Party of Vietnam, uphold humane values of Buddhism – a religion of peace, friendship cooperation as well as strengthen the relationship between  the VBS and other Buddhist Sanghas in the world

At the meeting, the representatives from ministries, central agencies and provincial People’s committees raised opinions and comments in order to improve the preparation work for the United Nations Day of Vesak 2014 in Vietnam according to the VBS’s General Plan.

Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of Government Committee for Religious Affairs speaks at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Dũng urged the Joint Working Group to closely coordinate between ministries, central agencies and localities in professional tasks; and with the VBS for and successful preparation and hosting of the UN Vesak Day 2014; help the VBS implement the motto “Dharma – Nation - Socialism”, always stay closely attached to, and in company with the nation in the construction and defense of the Homeland.

Some images at the meeting:

Mr.Bùi Thế Đức speaks at the meeting

Mr. Lê Bá Trình speaks at the meeting

Mr.  Lê Văn Dung speaks at the meeting

Most Venerable Thích Thiện Nhơn speaks at the meeting

PH