Among the distinguished international guests attending the opening ceremony were President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia Neth Savoeun, Chairman of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, and Ambassadors and Chargé d’Affaires from several countries.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong attended the opening ceremony.

Themed “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development”, Vesak 2025 reflects Buddhism’s spirit of dialogue, connection, and sharing in the face of global challenges.

The event also serves as an opportunity for Vietnam to promote its image as a peace-loving, hospitable country, and to affirm the country’s commitment to respecting freedom of belief and religion.

According to the organisers, 620 papers in English and 330 in Vietnamese have been submitted, focusing on the role of Buddhism in fostering peace, promoting sustainable development, and adapting to modern society.

In addition to the academic discussions, Vesak 2025 features many notable cultural and spiritual activities, such as the enshrinement and veneration of the Buddha’s relics at Thanh Tam Pagoda, veneration of the sacred heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc at Vietnam Quoc Tu (National Pagoda), a memorial ceremony for heroic martyrs marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification, a floating lantern festival for peace, international Buddhist art performances, a Buddhist cultural exhibition showcasing 87 national treasures, a culinary festival, the traditional Buddha bathing ritual, and the hoisting of the Buddhist flag.

Immediately following the opening ceremony were presentations centred around the event’s main theme. Thematic workshops will be held on May 7, focusing on Cultivating Inner Peace for World Peace; Mindful healing; Buddhist Compassion in Action: Shared Responsibility for Human Development; Mindfulness in Education for a Compassionate and Sustainable Future; and Fostering Unity: Collaborative Efforts for Global Harmony.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for the morning of May 8.

This is the fourth time Vietnam has hosted Vesak, but it is the first time Ho Chi Minh City has held the event.

87 national Buddhist treasures unveiled at UN Day of Vesak 2025

VOV.VN - For the first time ever, 87 national treasures related to Buddhism are on display in Ho Chi Minh City as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, offering a rare opportunity for Buddhist followers and the public to witness these sacred relics.