The Embassy of Thailand and Sri Lanka to Vienna celebrated International Day of Vesak 2024
The Permanent Mission of Thailand and Sri Lanka to the United Nations and UN Officials highlighted Buddha's teachings of peace and compassion together with UN officials
May 29th, 2024
On 23 May 2024, the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the UN, together with the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), jointly commemorated the International Day of Vesak 2024, which celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death and was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution 54/155 in 1999. The event, held at UNOV, was attended by diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and UNOV officials.
Mr. Cheevindh Nathalang, Minister and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Thailand, delivered the opening remarks by indicating the importance of Vesak and the enduring relevance of the teachings of the Lord Buddha in strengthening a peaceful and prosperous future.
A message from His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations on the occasion of Vesak was recited by Mr. Denis Thatchaichawalit, Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna. H.E. M.R.K. Lenagala, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka also delivered his remarks as a co-host. In his message, Mr. António Guterres said that in 2023 he had the privilege of travelling to the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal. This visit reaffirmed his belief that the Buddha’s timeless teachings of peace, compassion and service to others are the path to a better world for all. Mr. Guterres later extended his best wishes to all those celebrating Vesak Day.
The event was highlighted by a video presentation of the Dhamma Talk on “A Middle Path to Sustainable World” by Most Venerable Phra Brahmaphacharayanamuni and a meditation practice led by Most Venerable Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero, Chief Incumbent of Dhammazentrum Nyanaponika in Vienna and Most Venerable Suhadagama Anuruddha Thero.
References
- - https://www.thaiembassy.at/en/news/embassy-activities/item/1116-the-commemoration-of-the-international-day-of-vesak-2024.html
- - https://www.facebook.com/RoyalThaiEmbassyVienna
- - https://x.com/UN_Vienna
