Messages from U.A.E
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Mr. Lye Ket Yong, U.A.E.
Once again it is indeed an honor and my pleasure to pen this Congratulatory message on the auspicious occasion celebrating the United Nation Day of Vesak and Conference 2014.
The thrice-sacred day of Vesak commemorating the Birth, Enlightenment and entering into Parinibana of our Lord Gautama Buddha has always been the most significant day in the Buddhist Calendar and is celebrated by Buddhist the world over. This significance speaks for itself when Vesak Day was recognized by the United Nation by adopting a Resolution in its General Assembly in 1999.
Indeed I am delighted and happy to hear that the International Council for the Day of Vesak has now been officially recognized for its Consultative Role to the United Nation Economic and Social Council and the UNDV as an NGO by the United Nation, for which all of us can be proud of this achievements.
In commemorating and honor this commitment, the chosen theme for this year’s Celebration being “Buddhist Contributions to Achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals” seems very appropriate and timely.
Buddhism has always been a faith and religion of peace. The Buddhist philosophy can be applied not only in our daily lives but as a whole towards global developments and world peace. Buddhism has come of age in this new Millennium and is spreading and widely accepted by the West and other countries worldwide. In order to be a strong force to achieve our common goal of bringing about world peace and development based on Buddhist ideologies and perspectives, Buddhist of all different schools of Buddhism or ‘Nikayas’ should be united under a common ‘umbrella’ and I think The UNDV and its International Council has done an excellent job since 2004 for which all of us can be proud.
This years’ UNDV is held in the exotic and beautiful province of Ninh Binh and is the second time this Celebration is held in the Country of Vietnam. It is indeed inspiring to know that our host, the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will be inviting about 10,000 participants to this event.
On behalf of all the Buddhist Communities of the United Arab Emirates in general and the Committee and staff of The Dubai International Meditation Centre of UAE in particular, I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and to congratulation to the Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu who is the Chairman of ICDV-UNDV 2014, The National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, The UNDV 2014 Organizing Committeee, and The International Council for the United Nation Day of Vesak.
Last but not least, I wish all delegates and participants of The United Nation Day of Vesak Celebration 2014 a very Happy and meritorious Vesak day, and a successful conference.
Mr. Lye Ket Yong
Committee President DIMC UAE
