The closing ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 was solemnly held this morning at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Chanh District.

The ceremony was attended by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon (Vice Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council), and Most Venerable Professor Dr. Brahmapundit, Chairman of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), among many other dignitaries.

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Party and State leaders attend the closing ceremony of UN Day of Vesak 2025.
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The closing ceremony was held in the main hall of Duong Minh Chau Lecture Hall with over 3,000 delegates from Vietnam and abroad.

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Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung at the Vesak 2025 closing ceremony.
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Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council.



In his closing speech, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council, stated that the 20th UN Day of Vesak was held in Ho Chi Minh City at a time of nationwide celebration marking 50 years since national reunification.

He noted that this year’s Vesak received more than 1,000 academic papers centered on the theme: “Solidarity and tolerance for human dignity: Buddhist wisdom for world peace and sustainable development.” This reaffirmed that solidarity and tolerance are core tenets of Buddhism, reflecting the spirit of compassion and wisdom aimed at collective well-being and sustainable progress across nations.

Solidarity and tolerance, he emphasized, are not merely Buddhist ethics but serve as guiding principles for thought, speech, and action to foster harmonious, loving societies.

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According to Prof. Dr. Brahmapundit, Chairman of the International Council for the Day of Vesak, Vesak 2025 leaves an unforgettable mark by building peace upon the Dharma.
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Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh affirmed in his speech that Vesak 2025 was a great success. He also highlighted the significance of the timing: Vietnam had just commemorated 50 years since reunification and is preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the country’s National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025), entering a new era of prosperity and happiness.

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UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay congratulates the successful hosting of UN Vesak 2025.
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Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, celebrated the resounding success of Vesak 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. He expressed deep appreciation for the Government of Vietnam, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and the Ho Chi Minh City administration for their hospitality, dedication, and vision in organizing this historic event.

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Inlavanh Keobounphanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee.

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A Cambodian State Minister delivers congratulatory remarks.
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At the closing session, Venerable Dr. Thich Nhat Tu, Standing Member of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, emphasized that Vesak 2025 was not only a major international Buddhist event but also a heartfelt message to humanity: peace is not born of military might or weaponry but begins with inner transformation, ethical living, compassion, and wisdom.

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The UN Day of Vesak 2025 was held from May 6 to May 8 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Chanh District.

Ha Nguyen - Nguyen Hue - Dinh Tuyen