Media interest in the 2014 UN Vesak celebrations in Vietnam
On November 24th 2013, at Crown Plaza Hotel (Hanoi), announcement of UNDV 2014 in the press conference.
Homage to the Buddha before the meeting
In the conference
Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu, the standing Vice President of Executive Council and Chairman of Organization Committee of Vesak 2014, announced: “ During the celebration of United Nations day of Vesak, the estimated number of attendants is 10,000 people, including 1,500 leaders of Buddhist Sanghas, Buddhist schools, professors, doctors, Buddhist scholars and disciples from various Buddhist cultures from about 90 -100 nations and territories all over the world; as well as 8,500 Buddhist followers and people of Vietnam”
This year, there are five sub themes of the academic conference:
1. Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change
2. Buddhist Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection
3. Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living
4. Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery
5. Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum
Most Ven, Chairman of International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV) also said: ”The United Nations Day of Vesak 2014 celebration is a remarkable diplomatic event to intensify the importance of Buddhism in international integrating process of Vietnam. On the other hand, it also reassures Vietnam’s position and responsibility in United Nations; at the same time to advertise the images of Vietnam’s landscape and people, encouraging the development of spiritual and ecological tourism. Thence, this is a good chance to support the campaign to eco-tourist complex Trang An being approved as a natural world heritage by UNESCO”.
“Besides, the celebration is an opportunity to apply Buddhist ideology to solve the universal problems of the modern time. Everyone is looking forward to this occasion and we will try our best to make the celebration a great success” – Most Ven Brahmapundit claimed.
Journalist querying
Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu answering
Most ven, Chairman of ICDV Brahmapundit
Giving UNDV 2014 information by Most ven. Thich Nhat Tu
Most Ven Thich Thien Nhon at the meeting
At the press conference, the contents and all activities of the Celebration was the main concern of the journalists. Therefore, the Organization Committee spent time answering thoroughly all the inquiries afterwards and provided all the necessary information for the media.
Apart from the conferences, there will be different cultural activities and Dharma preaching in the Celebration of Vesak 2014 from May 7th to May 11th 2014.
According to the report, there were about 80 local representatives and 13 delegates from India, Thailand, China, America, France, Korea, Cambodia and Malaysia in the first preparatory meeting of Vesak 2014 celebration on 23th and 24th of November 2013.
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Vesak 2014 course ĐAs endorsed by the Government of Vietnam, Most Ven, Thich Tri Tinh, chairman of Executive Council, submitted an official letter on Vesak 2014 hosting by Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (issue 177, Septempber 23th 2013). Based on the UN Day of Vesak charter, this proposal was approved by Most Ven. Prof, Dr. Brahmapundit – Chairman of International Organization Committee of Vesak, Rector of Mahachulalongkorn University on September 28th and 29th 2013. Therefore, the 11th Celebration of UN Day of Vesak and International Buddhist Conference will be organized by Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, taking place in Bai Dinh temple, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam from May 7th to May 11th 2014.
This year, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will host the Celebration of UN day of Vesak 2014, with the corporation of ICDV as well as the support from Vietnam government. This is the second time the Celebration is held in Vietnam. In May 2008, Vietnam was honorably the host of the fifth UN Day of Vesak (UNDV), held in National Convention Center My Dinh, and it was a great success, leaving good impressions of the people, culture as well as religious life of Vietnam. Further information on UNDV The Vesak celebration is one of the most globally important cultural activities of the United Nations to recognize the value of humanity and peace of human kind. On December 15th 1999, General Assembly of United Nations, at its 54th session, agenda item 174, formalized the Thrice Sacred Day of Vesak, which commemorates the Birth, the Enlightenment and Passing away of Buddha, as an International Day of UN. The celebration happens annually in May Gregorian calendar. Thence, the ICDV was formally granted the Special consultative status for the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2013. This memorable moment is considered as a precious opportunity to broadcast the message of compassion, peace and non-violence of Buddha to the world. |
Bui Hien
Source: Giac Ngo Online
Translated by Vu Phuong Dung
