About UNDV
Story of each Vesak Celebrations
UNDV History
History of UN Day of Vesak Celebrations
ICDV EXCO
International Council of the United Nations Day of Vesak
IABU EXCO
International Association of Buddhist Universities
IABU/ICDV OFFICE
Officers and Location
Project
Background & Objectives
Bangkok Declaration
on The International Celebration on the Occasion
of United Nations Day of Vesak
 

Panel Discussion on the Main Theme:
Education and Global Citizenship: A Buddhist Perspective
Keynote Speaker
Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana
Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister


Speakers
Venerable Professor Mahinda Deegalle
Most Ven. Bhikkuni SHI RURUI
Jack Miller
Jamie Cresswell

Moderators
Venerable Assoc. Prof. Phra Sigambhirayan, Ph.D.
Venerable Phra Khammai Dhammasami
Panel Discussion on the Theme:
Contribution of Buddhist Sangha for Education and Humanity
Speakers
Venerable Ashin Nyanissara
Venerable Seck Kwang Phing
Venerable Phramaha Anilaman Dhammasakiyo, Ph.D
SUAH KIM (Bhikkhuni Soun )
Prof. Chandima Wijebandara

Moderators
Venerable Dr. Tampalawela Dhammaratana
Phra Rajavaramuni
 

The President of Supreme Sangha Council Committee of Thailand
Somdej Phra Sangharaj Sakol Mahasanghaparinayok


The President of IABU/ICDV
The Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit


The Secretary-General of the United Nations
Ban Ki-moon


The Director-General of UNESCO
Irina Bokova


President of the Privy Council and Statesman
H.E. General Prem Tinsulanonda


Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra
Prime Minister of Australia
The Honourable Julia Eileen Gillard


Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina


Sangha Supreme Council Message


Council of Ministers Messages


Messages from The Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Thailand


VIP Messages


Organization Messages
 

United Nations Conference Centre
Information
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU)
Phutthamonthon
Hotel & Accommodations
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew
Ayutthaya World Heritage

Volunteer's News
News and schedule for Vesak 2013's volunteer
Available Positions
Do you have what it takes to be a Vesak Day Celebration Volunteer?
Apply to be a Volunteer
Once in a lifetime Opportunity
Volunteer FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Vesak Day Celebration Volunteer
Volunteer Policy
Policy on volunteering
 

Live Broadcasting
United Nations Day of Vesak 2013 Live
Video Broadcasting
United Nations Day of Vesak 2013 Video Highlight
Press Released
2013's Press Collection
Gallery
View Photo from the Event
Media Download
Logo and High Quality Photo
Books
View & Download Academic books
Music
Exhibitions
Read & View Exhibitions's Theme and Concepts
 


Biography
Brief Biography of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand (Suvaddhana Mahãthera Charoen Gajavatra)
Celebration Documentary
on His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
Panel Discussion on the Theme:
Contribution of Buddhist Sangha for Education and Humanity
View & Download Books
On The Celebration of the100th Birthday Anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara
The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
3rd October 2013
 

Important messages

  The President of Supreme Sangha Council Committee of Thailand
Somdej Phra Sangharaj Sakol Mahasanghaparinayok
The President of IABU/ICDV
The Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit
The Secretary-General of the United Nations
Ban Ki-moon
The Director-General of UNESCO
Irina Bokova
President of the Privy Council and Statesman
H.E. General Prem Tinsulanonda
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra
Prime Minister of Australia
The Honourable Julia Eileen Gillard
Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Sangha Supreme Council Message
Council of Ministers Messages
Messages from The Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Thailand
VIP Messages
Organization Messages
     



Message from
Her Excellency Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand


Vesak Day encompasses the birth, enlightenment and reaching of Nirvana of the Lord Buddha. Not only is it well recognized as one of the most meaningful days in the Buddhist calendar, but this Holy Day has also been officially recognized by the United Nations through its General Assembly's resolution 54/115 adopted in 1999 which Thailand was honoured to co-sponsor. Indeed, Vesak Day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and by many countries with Buddhist communities worldwide.

Traditional Buddhist activities on Vesak Day included listening to sermons, walking around Buddha's relics, or "Wien Thien" and making merit in order to pay respects to the Holy Triple Gem. In addition to these formal religious activities, Buddhists should also pay attention to right practice and follow the Lord Buddha's teachings in everyday life.

I would like to thank the International Association of Buddhist Universities and International Council of the United Nations Day of Vesak for organizing the celebration of United Nations Day of Vesak, under the timely theme "Education and Global Citizenship: A Buddhist Perspective". The conference will also mark the celebration of the 100th Birthday Anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, on 3rd October 2013.

By the grace of the Holy Triple Gem, may the international celebration on the United Nations Day of Vesak 2013 and all individuals and agencies involved in this event be blessed with happiness.


Yingluck Shinawatra
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand