สารจากนายกรัฐมนตรีออสเตรีย
จูเลีย ไอลีน กิลลาร์ด

It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to everyone celebrating the United Nations Day of Vesak.

Vesak is of global importance to the Buddhist community as it gathers to commemorate Buddha Gautama and contemplate his message of compassion and goodwill.

This occasion also offers a time for reflection and the opportunity for all to learn from the teachings of equality, respect and understanding that are such a rich part of Buddhism.

The world is increasingly interdependent and complex, and we are more connected to one another than at any point in history. It is thus increasingly important that tolerance, non-violence and diligence – Buddhist values – are demonstrated in all of our relationships within local and global communities.

In Australia, the Buddhist community has done much to shape the strong and resilient multicultural nation we enjoy today; a nation that celebrates all backgrounds, cultures, customs and religions and ties our society with the region and world around us.

With these thoughts in mind I send my warmest regards to all those celebrating the 10th United Nations Day of Vesak. May this be a time of peace and blessing for you all.