Vesak Day Speech 2025

On behalf of the United Nations and the Secretary-General, it is my profound honour and privilege to join you today in commemorating International Vesak Day 2025—a day of deep spiritual and historical significance to millions of people around the world.

This day marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, one of humanity’s most revered spiritual teachers. These three sacred events, unified in one observance, serve as a powerful reminder of the timeless values that the Buddha exemplified: non-violence, compassion, mindfulness, and the quest for wisdom.

As the Secretary-General says in his message for Vesak Day: ‘In an era of profound global challenges, these timeless principles must guide our shared path forward and inspire us to bridge divides, foster solidarity, and work together towards a more peaceful, sustainable and harmonious world.

The United Nations, in its recognition of Vesak Day, affirms its commitment to interfaith dialogue, spiritual heritage, and cultural diversity as pillars of international peace and cooperation. In honouring this day, we are reminded that the Buddha’s teachings align closely with the goals of the United Nations: the pursuit of peace, the protection of human dignity, the reduction of suffering, and the promotion of sustainable development.

In the face of the world’s challenges - be it conflict, climate change, displacement, or inequality - the Buddha’s message remains strikingly relevant. He taught that the roots of suffering lie in greed, hatred, and delusion - forces we see mirrored in many of today’s global crises. Yet, he also showed us a path forward: through ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, transformation is possible - not only for individuals, but for societies and nations.

As UN staff, we are often called to work in environments marked by difficulty and uncertainty, even more so in the last few years. In those moments, we can draw inspiration from the qualities the Buddha embodied: resilience in the face of adversity, compassion toward all beings, and clarity in action. These are not just spiritual ideals; they are practical tools for building peace, advancing human rights, and fostering inclusive development.

Today, let us also reflect on interconnectedness—another central tenet of Buddhist thought. Our wellbeing is bound up with the wellbeing of others. Whether we are in Geneva, Bangkok, New York, Nairobi, Ankara, or beyond, we are part of one human family. This sense of global solidarity is at the heart of the United Nations’ mission and is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

In closing, I offer my deepest respect to Buddhist communities around the world observing this special day. May the spirit of Vesak guide us toward a more harmonious, just, and compassionate world.

Happy Vesak Day.

May all beings be safe, may all beings be free, may all beings live in peace.

Thank you.