Vesak Light and Vietnam Vision

Genuine religion is a driving force for development.

The United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025 is not only an occasion to honor the Buddha but also a space for global dialogue on peace , compassion, and sustainable development.

In that context, the Vesak congratulatory message from Minister of Ethnic Minorities and Religion Dao Ngoc Dung strongly affirms Vietnam's character, vision, and humane policies in the fields of religion and ethnicity.

The Minister's message to the Buddhist community at home and abroad on the occasion of the 2025 Vesak Great Celebration begins with a meaningful affirmation: Religion is not only a spiritual life but also a particularly important social resource in the cause of building, protecting, and developing the country.

"The Buddha's teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace serve as a guiding principle for each individual and nation in the journey of building a harmonious and sustainably developed world ," the Minister emphasized.

To date, Vietnam has hosted Vesak four times, leaving a positive impression on international friends. Photo: Nguyen Hue

This is not just a congratulatory message , but a profound political message: Vietnam cherishes and promotes the role of genuine religions in the national unity, consistent with the Party and State's policy on freedom of belief and religion linked to national interests.

Reforming religious policy: Partnering and promoting

To date, Vietnam has hosted Vesak four times (2008, 2014, 2019, and 2025), leaving a positive impression on international friends.

Vietnam's consistent participation in major events like Vesak demonstrates that it not only respects religious values but also actively utilizes them as part of its soft power in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung's message not only affirmed the position of Buddhism within the nation, but also affirmed that Vietnam is a shining example of freedom of belief and religion in the region and the world.

From guaranteeing citizens' right to practice their religion to partnering with religious organizations in charitable and humanitarian activities, Vietnam demonstrates a model of "harmony between religion and life," stable yet open, humane, and developing.

A notable aspect of the Message is the spirit of innovation in religious management thinking. Beyond administrative management, the Vietnamese State is advocating for collaboration, creating favorable conditions, and promoting the positive role of religions, including Buddhism, to contribute to social stability, preserve moral values, and foster sustainable development.

The emphasis on Buddhism as a force accompanying the nation, especially in areas such as moral education, environmental protection, public health, and social welfare, demonstrates a progressive and inclusive vision.

This is also how Vietnam affirms to the world that its religious policy not only guarantees rights but also promotes the value and capacity of religions to contribute to building a better society.

Vesak Light - A Global Message from Vietnam

From the United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025, the light of compassion and wisdom of Buddhism will once again spread from Vietnam to the world.

In a global context facing numerous challenges – such as war, religious divisions, and moral crises – the spirit of tolerance, harmony, and goodness has become a universal value that Vietnam is striving to preserve, promote, and spread.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung's message was therefore not merely ceremonial, but essentially a policy statement – a declaration of Vietnam's position, role, and vision in building a peaceful and sustainable future based on cultural and religious values.

Vietnam is not only developing economically and socially, but is also leading the way in implementing humane and ethical policies, in line with the progressive development trends of the times.

The 2025 Vesak celebration is an opportunity for the world to see clearly that Vietnam is not only a nation that respects religion, but also a model of harmony between spirituality and modernity, between tradition and innovation, between identity and integration.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/anh-sang-vesak-va-tam-nhin-viet-nam-2398893.html