Vietnam has successfully hosted the 2025 UN Day of Vesak Celebrations, drawing Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers from numerous countries. Giang noted that this year’s event coincided with Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of national reunification and forthcoming 80th National Day.
The UN Day of Vesak celebration held at the UN headquarters in New York on May 14 (local time). (Photo: VNA)
New York (VNA) – Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, has called on countries and peoples to embrace the spirit of compassion, harmony and tolerance in the pursuit of a peaceful, just and inclusive world, while addressing the recent UN Day of Vesak celebration held at the UN headquarters in New York.
Giang underscored the profound significance of Vesak for Vietnam, where Buddhism has been intricately interwoven with the nation’s cultural and spiritual life for over two millennia, characterised by a philosophy of “safeguarding the nation and bringing peace to the people.”
Against the backdrop of global volatility and challenges, the diplomat underscored that the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, wisdom and peace offer essential guidance for humanity in overcoming challenges and forging a cohesive global community of mutual respect and sustainable development. These values also resonate with the core principles of the UN.
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang (centre), Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)
He took the opportunity to announce that Vietnam had successfully hosted the 2025 UN Day of Vesak Celebrations, drawing Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers from numerous countries. Giang noted that this year’s event coincided with Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of national reunification and forthcoming 80th National Day.
Speakers at the event collectively highlighted the timeless teachings and deep philosophical insights of the Buddha as not only a cherished spiritual heritage for humankind, but also as a moral compass with the potential to inform and inspire global action and policy.
The UN Day of Vesak has been observed annually since 1999. The day recognises the contributions ꦯof Buddhism – one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions – to the spiritual well-being of hꦓumanity and to the broader goals of peace, cooperation, harmony and sustainable development./.
Underlining Buddhism’s response to pressing global challenges, the declaration features contents about solidarity and tolerance for human dignity, cultivation of inner peace for global peace, healing through mindfulness and reconciliation, and promotion of solidarity and cooperation efforts for global harmony, among others.
The programme seamlessly blended symphonic, traditional, and contemporary music with modern stage effects, lighting, and visual art, delivering a multi-sensory spiritual experience.
The Vietnamese Party and State always respect the freedom of religion, belief, and non-belief of all citizens, Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung said, adding that Vietnam hopes that the VBS and all people, both religious and non-religious, will continue joining hands to build a prosperous and happy nation.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
