73 countries attend UN International Vesak Day 2024 in Thailand

By Prasanna Brahmana, reporting from Ayutthaya

The 2024 Bangkok Declaration was announced yesterday (20) at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok as a part of the UN International Vesak Day celebrations.

Messages from the United Nations Secretary General and others were read on this occasion, highlighting the importance of the UN International Vesak Day.

The Thai government and the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand joined hands in organizing the 19th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2024 on 19-20 May, under the theme “The Buddhist Way of Building Trust and Solidarity.”

After the event, participants proceeded to Buddhamonthon, in Nakhon Pathom, to invoke blessings for the King of Thailand and also to take part in other activities.

On the invitation of Thailand Buddhist leaders, scholars, and monks from 73 countries arrived to participate in the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2024.

The programme on 19 May took place at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a public Buddhist university, in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province and included goodwill messages from Sangharajas, Mahanayakas, and Buddhist leaders from different countries, and three panel discussions on the subjects  “Application of Buddhist Mindfulness for Health and Wellbeing,” “Buddhist Path to Trust and Global Partnership,” and “Relevance of Buddhist Education for Harmonious Society.”

Falling on the full moon day, Vesak, commonly referred to among Thais as “Visakha Puja,” is considered the holiest day of the year for Buddhists all over the world.