Sri Lanka celebrates International Day of Vesak at UNESCO in partnership with Member States

The Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) organised a cultural evening themed ‘Let Us Make Haste to Stand Together for the Common Good’ on 4 May at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in commemoration of the International Day of Vesak. The event was organised in partnership with the UNESCO and 15 Member States, reflecting the growing significance of Vesak within the UNESCO following the decisions adopted by its governing bodies.

Assistant Director-General for Culture a.i. Lazare Eloundou Assomo represented UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany as the Chief Guest. The event brought together members of the Buddhist clergy, religious leaders, Ambassadors and Permanent Delegates to the UNESCO, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and a diverse international audience, underscoring the universal message of Vesak and its relevance to peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

The celebration commenced with the recitation of Jayamangala Gatha (Verses on the Blessings of Success) by children of Sri Lankan heritage in France. Sri Lankan Embassy and Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Sanju Dasanayake delivered the opening remarks, extending a warm welcome to all honoured guests as well as invitees, and underscored the significance of Vesak in advancing the UNESCO’s mandate of promoting peace and intercultural dialogue. She expressed her deep appreciation to the UNESCO and Member States for their continued support in institutionalising the annual commemoration of Vesak at the UNESCO, in line with the Executive Board Decision 219 EX/27 and General Conference Resolution 43 C/22.

Chief Guest Assomo highlighted the life and teachings of the Buddha, emphasising the universal values of compassion, generosity, tolerance, and respect for diversity, which continue to inspire people across cultures. He noted that Vesak serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, solidarity, and care for others and nature, in line with the UNESCO’s commitment to promoting peace and intercultural dialogue. He also commended Sri Lanka and its partners for their leadership in advancing this meaningful initiative within the UNESCO.

Delivering a special address on the relevance of Vesak, International Buddhist Centre in France Chief Incumbent and Buddhist Union of France Co-President Venerable Parawahera Chandaratana Thero reflected on the core teachings of Buddhism, emphasising their timeless guidance in overcoming suffering and achieving inner peace.

Association Kusalayan – Centre de Méditation Bouddhique in Paris Founder Director Venerable Jyotisar Shraman Thero delivered an address on ‘Embracing Buddhist Wisdom and Mindful Well-being for Peace,’ emphasising the role of mindfulness, meditation, and compassion in cultivating inner balance. He highlighted that these teachings foster inner harmony through mindfulness and ethical conduct, promoting emotional balance, compassion, and social cohesion, thereby contributing to peace.

The evening’s celebration also featured a series of captivating cultural performances, including traditional dance, music, and song recitals by the Permanent Delegations of China, India, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nepal, Viet Nam, and Sri Lanka, as well as the Buddha’s Light International Association France. The performances showcased the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and artistic expression of each participating country, fostering a deeper appreciation of the beauty of diverse cultural traditions.

The cultural program was followed by a vibrant reception, featuring a diverse selection of multi-national cuisine offered by the Permanent Delegations of Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. Over 450 participants attended the celebrations, enjoying the spirit of Vesak in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship, and intercultural harmony. The commemoration reaffirmed the UNESCO’s commitment to promoting peace through intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.