More than 1,600 international delegates from 112 countries and territories attended Vesak 2019 in Ha Nam province. The organization of such a big event posed a challenge for Vietnam as the work required precise and careful planning from the organiser and volunteers who have contributed to the important event.

Unlike regular days, Nguyen Thi Minh Hoai has to be up at 3 am to assist delegates from Hanoi city to travel to Ha Nam province for attending the UN Day of Vesak 2019. The event covers various activities, with some of them lasting till late at night. Despite tiredness, Hoai and other volunteers stay in high spirits. The number of volunteers for Vesak 2019 is 7,200 people divided into groups, with each group assigned a specific task. Those with foreign language skills are in charge of liaising and interpretation for international delegates, others fulfill numerous tasks such as preparing food, greeting and logistics. Preparation work for volunteers has been carefully planned by the National Volunteer Centre. Volunteers are required to be trained in Buddhism knowledge, as well as hospitality and other skills to provide the best assistance to the delegates coming to Vietnam. These volunteers know that they also represent Vietnam in international delegates’ eyes. Their efforts have paid off with satisfaction and smiles from the delegates coming to Vesak 2019.-VNA