As many as 1,650 delegates from 112 countries and territories worldwide have registered to attend the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak scheduled for May 12-14 in the northern province of Ha Nam, according to organisers.

At the press conference

During a press briefing at Tam Chuc Buddhism Culture Centre on May 6, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council, Venerable Thich Duc Thien, who is also Secretary General of the International Committee for Day of Vesak, said the day will take the theme “Buddhism’s Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies”. 

Nearly 400 speeches in English by foreign scholars and 110 others in Vietnamese will be presented at forums. 

The forums will focus on responsible leadership for sustainable societies; Buddhism’s approach to harmonious families, education and responsible consumption; and Buddhism and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

The Vesak 2019 celebration will include spiritual cultural activities such as traditional Buddha bathing, prayers for national peace and prosperity, a lantern releasing night for world peace and photo exhibitions on pagodas recognised as world heritages in Vietnam. 

Buddhist followers and visitors to the event will be delivered free lunch boxes. 

The event will be an important diplomatic event to improve the role of the VBS amid the global integration as well as enhance ties between the VBS and other Buddhist Sanghas in the world. It will also afford Vietnam a chance to introduce its culture, history and people to international friends.