Attending the closing ceremony were: Politburo member, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh; Politburo member, Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen; Party Central Committee member, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh; Party Central Committee member, Minister of Ethnic Minorities and Religions Dao Ngoc Dung... along with thousands of delegates from 85 countries and territories; monks, nuns, and Buddhists at home and abroad.
Delivering the closing speech, Permanent Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu shared his view that solidarity and tolerance are not only Buddhist ethical doctrines, but will always be the guiding principles for people's thoughts, words and actions to build a peaceful society with less conflict and full of love.
With that spirit, Vietnamese Buddhism always blends with the flow of national culture, accompanying the nation in all historical circumstances.
Reality has proven that the philosophy of solidarity and tolerance of Buddhism has contributed to creating the identity and spiritual strength of great national solidarity; contributing to deepening the spirit of "patriotism, love for the nation", tolerance, respect for humanity, respect for righteousness, the culture of love, mutual support, sharing, "the whole leaves cover the torn leaves"... which have permeated the thoughts, feelings and souls of every Vietnamese person.
“Solidarity is a priceless heritage, a precious tradition of every Vietnamese person; it is the strength that makes Vietnam a powerful nation, always overcoming all difficulties and challenges, defeating all enemies,” said Most Venerable Elder Thich Thanh Nhieu.
During the 3 days, the festival had vibrant academic forums, with the presence and in-depth discussions from scholars, representatives of governments and international organizations from 85 countries and territories. The challenges of the times such as conflicts, climate change, inequality or moral crisis... were put on the discussion table with a sense of responsibility; affirming the essential role of ethics, intercultural dialogue and the companionship of religions, especially Buddhism, in building peace for the world .
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh said that this year's Vesak was held solemnly and respectfully, was an international religious and cultural event of great scale and stature, and was a great success.
The ceremony took place at a very special time when Vietnam solemnly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) and looked forward to the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). At the same time, it is actively preparing to enter a new era - an era of prosperity and happiness.
In a joyful and proud atmosphere, the Vesak flag - a symbol of noble humanistic ideology, peace, friendship and international cooperation - was once again raised high, flying in the sky of Vietnam, showing the image of a peace-loving country.
“In recent days, the quintessence of Buddhist thought, wisdom and compassion has spread widely, becoming a bridge connecting peoples, religions and cultures together. All share a noble aspiration: to promote the spirit of tolerance, harmony and kindness to build a world of peace, cooperation and lasting happiness for humanity,” the First Deputy Prime Minister commented.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh also said that the successful hosting and organization of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City is a clear mark, showing the increasingly enhanced role of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the international Buddhist community and in enhancing dialogue on global issues; preventing conflicts, promoting social justice and sustainable development. This is also a vivid demonstration of Vietnam's commitment to disseminating the Buddha's teachings.
Expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh expressed his hope that the delegates will spread the message of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam throughout the world, with the belief in a peaceful and good life to countries, territories and the world community.
At the closing session, the delegates unanimously approved and announced the Ho Chi Minh City Declaration on the 20th United Nations Vesak Celebration, including 6 articles:
Article 1: Solidarity and tolerance for human dignity
Article 2: Nurture inner peace for world peace
Article 3: Forgiveness, Healing with Mindfulness and Reconciliation
Article 4: Buddhist Compassion in Action: Shared Responsibility for Human Development
Article 5: Mindfulness in education for a compassionate and sustainable future
Article 6: Promote solidarity and cooperative efforts for global harmony
The Ho Chi Minh City Declaration also said that the International Organizing Committee of the United Nations Day of Vesak approved and supported the Buddhist Association of China to host the 21st United Nations Day of Vesak in the People's Republic of China in 2026.
Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/be-mac-dai-le-vesak-lien-hop-quoc-2025-nang-cao-gia-tri-cua-su-doan-ket-hoa-binh-de-cung-phat-trien-ben-vung-1018641.html
![[Photo] Party and State leaders visit former President Tran Duc Luong](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/5/24/960db9b19102400e8df68d5a6caadcf6)
![[Photo] Ho Chi Minh City holds funeral for former President Tran Duc Luong](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/5/24/9c1858ebd3d04170b6cef2e6bcb2019e)
Comment (0)