May 09, 2026 02:30 pm (IST)
Follow us:
UN marks Buddhist holy day, Ban urges work for common good
New York, May 14 (IBNS): The Buddhist teachings of peace, compassion and love should help guide governments and the international community, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, urging international cooperation for the betterment of all humankind.
In his message for Vesak Day, Ban highlighted Buddha’s message of “peace, compassion and love for all living beings,” especially those in need.
These teachings “can inspire our efforts to address many of the broader challenges confronting our world,” Ban said, in reference to peace and security, development and the protection of the environment.
“In each of these areas, we have to rise above narrow self-interest, and think and act as members of one global community,” he urged world leaders.
The Day marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha, and is celebrated by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
By its resolution 54/115 of 1999, the General Assembly recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity.
(Lumbini, a World Heritage site, is the birthplace of Buddha. Photo: UNESCO/Nipuna Shrestha)
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
IDF launches probe after soldier seen mocking Virgin Mary's Statue in Lebanon by placing a cigarette in mouth
Fri, May 08 2026
What happened in Morocco? Two US troops go missing amid military exercises, rescue op underway
Mon, May 04 2026
Madness in Seoul: Pokémon event cancelled in South Korea after 40,000 people assemble in forest
Sun, May 03 2026
Israel sent secret laser shield to UAE during Iran attacks: Report
Fri, May 01 2026
Abuse of women journalists made ‘easier and more damaging’ by AI: Study unveils on World Press Freedom Day
Fri, May 01 2026
Indian-born population tops Australia’s foreign-born list, overtaking England after a century
Fri, May 01 2026
UAE leaves OPEC, OPEC+ amid global energy crisis
Tue, Apr 28 2026