In a closing remarks, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, member of the Patronage Council and Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council, emphasised the importance of the Vesak 2025 theme of solidarity, tolerance and sustainable development. He also affirmed the historical role of Vietnamese Buddhism in national development, and thanked distinguished guests and international friends for their practical contributions to the success of the event this year.

Addressing the closing ceremony, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit called for the application of Buddhist mindfulness in conflict resolution, while encouraging the application of mindfulness for the benefit of all people. He also singled out Vietnam as the centre of engaged Buddhism, playing an important role in engaged Buddhism.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay sent her congratulations on the success of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 via a video clip. She also reviewed the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and tolerance, especially in the context of a world full of conflicts.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh noted that Vesak 2025 is an opportunity for Buddhists around the world to connect spiritually, foster solidarity and promote the noble values ​​of Buddhism.

All delegates shared the same noble wish to promote the spirit of tolerance, harmony and humanity to build a world of lasting peace, cooperation and happiness for humanity.

The success of Vesak 2025 once again affirms the noble responsibility of Buddhism in the face of global issues, he said.

He reiterated that Vietnam always implements a consistent policy of respecting and protecting people’s freedom of belief and religion; ensuring equality and non-discrimination on the basis of belief and religion.

Delegates adopted the Ho Chi Minh City Declaration, calling on countries to prioritise policies of peace, environmental sustainability, and economic justice, rather than military expansion and over-exploitation of natural resources.

The declaration urges global organisations to apply Buddhist ethical principles in governance, diplomacy, and sustainable development, while recognising Buddhist wisdom as an essential resource in conflict resolution and global ethics.

Themed “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,” the UN Day of Vesak 2025 was held at Vietnam Buddhist University II in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting the participation of more than 2,700 delegates from 85 countries and territories worldwide.  

Approximately 1,000 presentations were delivered focusing on the role of Buddhism in fostering peace, promoting sustainable development, and adapting to modern society. The event also served as an opportunity for Vietnam to promote its image as a peace-loving, hospitable country, and to affirm the country’s commitment to respecting freedom of belief and religion.

Vietnamese pagodas featured in photo exhibition during UN Day of Vesak 2025

VOV.VN - Over 30 photographs featuring Vietnamese pagodas are on display at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 activities.