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Somdej Phra Sangharaj Sakol Mahasanghaparinayok
The Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit
Ban Ki-moon
Irina Bokova
H.E. General Prem Tinsulanonda
Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra
The Honourable Julia Eileen Gillard
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
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Vesak Day encompasses the birth, enlightenment and reaching of Nirvana of the Lord Buddha. Not only is it well recognized as one of the most meaningful days in the Buddhist calendar, but this Holy Day has also been officially recognized by the United Nations through its General Assembly's resolution 54/115 adopted in 1999 which Thailand was honoured to co-sponsor. Indeed, Vesak Day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and by many countries with Buddhist communities worldwide.
Traditional Buddhist activities on Vesak Day included listening to sermons, walking around Buddha's relics, or "Wien Thien" and making merit in order to pay respects to the Holy Triple Gem. In addition to these formal religious activities, Buddhists should also pay attention to right practice and follow the Lord Buddha's teachings in everyday life.
I would like to thank the International Association of Buddhist Universities and International Council of the United Nations Day of Vesak for organizing the celebration of United Nations Day of Vesak, under the timely theme "Education and Global Citizenship: A Buddhist Perspective". The conference will also mark the celebration of the 100th Birthday Anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, on 3rd October 2013.
By the grace of the Holy Triple Gem, may the international celebration on the United Nations Day of Vesak 2013 and all individuals and agencies involved in this event be blessed with happiness.
Yingluck Shinawatra
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
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