Distinguished guests of the UN Day of Vesak 2014 Closing Ceremony included Mr. Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs cum Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs; the King of Tooro Kingdom; and high-ranking state officials and Buddhist dignitaries from Vietnam, UN Day of Vesak International Committee and other countries.

After three day of extensive meetings, academic presentations, discussions and a wide range of Buddhist rituals and activities, the 2014 UN Day of Vesak was successfully wrapped up. At the closing ceremony, the summary report was presented and delegates agreed on the UN Vesak 2014 Declaration towards Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Both the summary report and the UN Vesak 2014 Declaration have highlighted results of three days’ meetings and discussions, as well as assistance and supports made by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in hosting the most auspicious Buddhist gathering.

In particular, the UN Vesak 2014 Declaration, or Ninh Binh Declaration, was drafted based on results of discussions on several specific issues, such as: Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change, Buddhist Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection, Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living, Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery, Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum. The approved Declaration also emphasized the desire to apply Buddhism for achieving world peace, nonviolence in each country and among countries.

On behalf of the International Committee for UN Day of Vesak, Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Dhammaratana spoke of the great success of the 11 UN Day of Vesak celebrations, and expressed sincere thanks to the State and Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for great supports and favorable conditions for hosting and organization of the UN Vesak 2014 in Vietnam. 

H.H. Prof. Dr. Dhammaratana speaks at Closing Ceremony

Addressing the closing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised the outcomes of the UN Day of Vesak and congratulated the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the International Organizing Committee of the UN Day of Vesak 2014, the International Committee of UN Day of Vesak, concerned state agencies and localities, and all domestic and foreign Buddhist monk, nuns and followers for making devotion, relentless efforts and contributions to organization of the UN Vesak 2014. He affirmed that the UN Day of Vesak in Vietnam has become a cultural festival full of national and international solidarity and the profound Buddhist message of peace and love. He expressed his wish that through this event, the solidarity among countries will be boosted for more practical actions for peace, cooperation and progress of the mankind.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc addresses the closing ceremony

Most Venerable Thích Thanh Nhiễu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council, and Chairman of the International Organizing Committee for the UN Day of Vesak 2014, in his closing speech appreciated efforts and contributions by Buddhist monks, nuns and followers throughout the country, assistance and devotion by foreign Buddhists and friends, as well as precious supports by concerned state agencies and localities in hosing and organizing the UN Vesak celebrations 2014.

With its outcomes, the UN Day of Vesak celebrations 2014 in Vietnam has become a festival showing symbol of national and international unity and spreading the profound message of peace and love based on the Buddha’s thought. The UN Vesak 2014 celebrations closed with Candle-lit Ceremony praying for world peace in the main hall of Bai Dinh pagoda./.

Photos at the closing ceremony:

Delegates and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc taking photo together

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs cum Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Phạm Dũng and International delegates to the UN Vesak 2014 in Vietnam

PV