Vietnam is set to host the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) from May 6-8, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, welcoming a significant number of international and domestic guests.

With only months to go, the event has already received over 450 congratulatory messages from Buddhist leaders across 80 countries, demonstrating the unity and global influence of Buddhist teachings.

A global celebration of Buddhist unity

During a preparatory meeting on February 26, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), and Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), highlighted the overwhelming international response.

Messages have been received from Buddhist Supreme Patriarchs, Sangha leaders, and heads of major Buddhist organizations such as the World Buddhist Forum (China), the World Fellowship of Buddhists (Thailand), the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (Mongolia), and the World Buddhist Summit (Japan).

“This overwhelming support reaffirms the global Buddhist community’s solidarity and commitment to spreading the teachings of the Buddha,” Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon stated.

A strong academic presence

The Vesak 2025 Conference has also garnered great interest from scholars and researchers. By February 24, organizers had received over 445 English-language research papers and 280 Vietnamese papers, focusing on peace, sustainable development, and the practical application of Buddhist principles in contemporary society.

According to Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, head of the Vesak 2025 Content Committee, the Ho Chi Minh City Declaration - key document summarizing the event’s commitments and future directions - will be discussed and finalized during the conference.

Vietnam’s government to support Vesak preparations

On February 27, the Vesak organizing committee will meet with Vietnamese government officials in Hanoi to ensure smooth preparations and receive further support for the event.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has been working closely with local and international Buddhist organizations to ensure that UN Vesak 2025 is a successful and spiritually meaningful event.

The Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, the event’s main venue, is being prepared to welcome thousands of guests, including high-ranking Buddhist leaders, scholars, and international delegations.

As the largest Buddhist event of the year, UN Vesak 2025 in Vietnam promises to be a grand celebration of Buddhist unity, wisdom, and peace on the global stage.

Luu Dinh Long