The 16th UN Day of Vesak 2019 wrapped up at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Kim Bang district, northern Ha Nam province, on May 14, with the adoption of the Ha Nam Declaration that promotes world peace, harmony, and improvements for all people.

Addressing the event, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha highlighted the theme of the 16th UN Day of Vesak 2019, saying the event contributes to realizing the UN’s goals to be achieved by 2030. The success of the event will help the VBS strengthen cooperation and friendship with the world Buddhist community, he said. For his part, Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for Day of Vesak called the three-day celebrations “a wonderful time together” thanks to the hospitality and generosity of the Government, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and people of Vietnam. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh addressed the closing ceremony, speaking highly of the outcomes of Vesak 2019, including the adoption of the Ha Nam Declaration, presentations that dealt with various topics, the contribution of encouraging comments, and experience sharing from international and local scholars and Buddhist leaders. The 16th United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 brought together 1,650 international delegates from 112 countries and territories worldwide.-VNA