Kathmandu: The Embassy of Nepal, together with Embassies of Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, United Nations Office in Brussels and the Buddhist Union of Belgium, organized a special event commemorating the Day of Vesak at the UN House in Brussels on June 30.
The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 54/115 recognizes the Full Moon Day in May each year as the most sacred day for Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha. Nepal was among the countries that co-sponsored the resolution. The United Nations observes this occasion annually as the Day of Vesak at its Headquarters, with commemorative events also held around the world.
This event marked the first official observance of the Day of Vesak at the United Nations House in Brussels.The program commenced with the musical choir and featured distinguished speakers including H.E. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand; Camilla Bruckner, Director of the UN/UNDP Office in Brussels; Wouter Beke, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (DASE); Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia (DSAS); and Pierre Cartuyvels, Chief of Protocol at FPS Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
A video message from H.E. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of UN, was also played during the event. The speakers shed light on the significance of Vesak Day and the teachings of Gautama Buddha, reflecting on their relevance to a world facing widespread uncertainty and pressing crises.
The program also included a guided meditation session, a video message on “Cultivating Inner Peace in a Turbulent World: The Art of Wise Compassion in Global Diplomacy”, an animated video on the Life story of Gautam Buddha and a panel discussion titled “Cultivating Peace: Collective Actions for Harmony and Diversity.”
The panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ann Heirman, Head of Department Languages and Cultures Chinese Language and Culture, Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies, Ghent University and the panelists included Regine Debrabandere, Regional Director of West Africa; Enabel, the Belgian agency for international cooperation; Dr. Maarten Van Alstein, Flemish Peace Institute; and Bruno Vandergucht, Centre Dhammaramsi. Pushkar Khanal, a youth representative from Nepal, delivered closing remarks on the occasion.
H.E. Sewa Lamsal, Ambassador of Nepal to BENELUX countries, and officials from the Embassy of Nepal, alongside Ambassadors and diplomats from the co-organizing countries, representatives from the European Union, the United Nations, the Belgian MFA, Buddhist associations, Venerable monks and nuns and other international organizations, attended the event.
