By Carlotta Segre
Unity and tolerance for human dignity, Buddhist wisdom for world peace and sustainable development — this was the spirit of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV), which the EBU attended in Vietnam.
The 2025 Vesak Celebration opening ceremony took place at the Vietnam Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh City on 6 May 2025, under the theme “Unity and Inclusive for Human Dignity, World Peace and Sustainable Development.” This year’s celebration was held on the momentous occasion of the 20th anniversary of Vesak’s recognition as an international day of observance by the United Nations.
A message from the United Nations
As stated by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, in his message:
Buddha’s teaching of compassion, tolerance and selfless service resonate deeply with the values of the United Nations. In an era of global challenge these timeless principles must guide our shared path forward. As we honour this sacred occasion, may we be inspired to bridge divides, foster solidarity and work together toward a more peaceful, sustainable and harmonious world.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Vietnam has previously hosted the 2008, 2014 and 2019 events; this year was especially meaningful, taking place shortly after the commemorations of the 50th anniversary of national reunification — a milestone marking the Vietnamese people’s full attainment of independence and peace.
Thousands gathered for peace
The celebrations attracted 2,700 delegates, including 1,300 international delegates, Buddhist scholars and intellectuals from 85 countries and territories. On the evening of 6 May, a ceremony of prayer for world peace and people’s well-being took place at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy. The event drew approximately 12,000 participants, with 35,000 lanterns lit, creating a radiant atmosphere. Together with a vast assembly of monastics, lay Buddhists and local people, the delegates witnessed the incense-offering ceremony — more than a spiritual activity, the festival conveyed a profound message of unity, loving-kindness and a call for peace for all humanity.
On 7 May the 2025 Vesak entered its second day of activities — coordinated by the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) — with messages and speeches from leaders of international Buddhist organizations, heads of Buddhist traditions, and esteemed scholars from around the world.
Academic sessions and sacred relics
On the afternoon of the 7th, academic sessions addressed urgent global concerns, following the event’s sub-topics:
- Cultivating inner peace and world peace.
- Forgiveness and mindfulness: a path to reconciliation.
- Buddhist compassion in action: shared responsibilities for human development.
- Mindfulness and education for a compassionate and sustainable future.
- Fostering unity: collaborative efforts for global harmony.
The wealth of insights from international and national papers and speeches highlighted Buddhism’s vital role in shaping collective responses to contemporary global challenges.
Alongside, two important relics formed the sacred spiritual core of this Vesak, drawing hundreds of thousands of Buddhists to pay homage, venerate and receive blessings:
- Buddha’s relics — a national treasure of India, generously permitted for temporary transfer from the National Museum, excavated from the ancient site of Nagarjunakonda and enshrined at the Than Tam Temple within the Vietnam Buddhist Academy.
- Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s sacred heart relic, placed at the Viet Quoc Tu Monastery. In 1963 the monk vowed to self-immolate in an act of great compassion; his heart remained unburnt, intact and fossilized — later venerated as a sacred relic and regarded as a living embodiment of non-violent resistance and spiritual purity.
The celebration was also made possible thanks to thousands of passionate volunteers who tirelessly served over the days and conveyed the spirit of Vesak to international friends. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and hospitality greatly contributed to the success of the event.
The UNDV 2025 was more than a grand event: it brought a global message to the world — true peace stems from collective effort, and from the transformation of human hearts through ethical living, compassion and wisdom.
About the author
Carlotta Segre is a member of the EBU Council. In 1995 she met Lama Gangchen Rinpoche and has since devoted her life to serving Buddhism. With a strong background in international relations — having worked with the United Nations until 2012 — she is, since 2018, a member of the Executive Committee of Kunpen Lama Gangchen, an international Buddhist organization (member of the EBU) dedicated to promoting peace, compassion and interfaith dialogue.
This article first appeared in EBU Magazine #14 – Celebrating 50 Years of the European Buddhist Union (Winter 2025). Download the full issue as PDF or browse all issues.