{"id":285456,"date":"2025-05-14T15:57:28","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T19:57:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/79\/?p=285456"},"modified":"2025-05-14T15:57:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T19:57:28","slug":"pga-remarks-at-the-event-to-commemorate-the-international-day-of-vesak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/79\/2025\/05\/14\/pga-remarks-at-the-event-to-commemorate-the-international-day-of-vesak\/","title":{"rendered":"PGA Remarks at the event to commemorate the International Day of Vesak,"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Remarks on behalf of the President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly,<\/strong><\/p>\n

H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang,<\/strong><\/p>\n

at the event to commemorate the International Day of Vesak,<\/strong><\/p>\n

hosted by the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wednesday, 14 May 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

[As Delivered]<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Your Excellencies,<\/p>\n

Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Good afternoon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I deliver these remarks on behalf of the President of the General Assembly, H. E. Mr. Philemon Yang. I quote:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a pleasure to join you in celebrating the International Day of Vesak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I express my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand for co-hosting this commemoration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In honouring this sacred occasion, we not only honour the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We honour the enduring relevance of his teachings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We are reminded that the Buddha\u2019s path was not one of conquest or division.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But rather awakening, compassion and peace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The teachings of Gautama Buddha offer timeless guidance for both personal transformation and global harmony.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His message was simple, yet profound: peace begins within.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He taught that suffering, while a part of life, can be transcended through awareness, ethical living and compassion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His teachings of non-violence, and compassion call on us all to be custodians of peace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peace that begins within our hearts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peace that radiates outward through our actions, our institutions and our international relations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

These teachings have influenced countless leaders from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr. to Nelson Mandela.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They have inspired people around the world to stand up for their rights without the use of violence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And they continue to offer a foundation for policy, peacebuilding and international cooperation today.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A foundation rooted in compassion, wisdom, and moral clarity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As diplomats, leaders, civil society members \u2013 and indeed global citizens \u2013 let us draw inspiration from these teachings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Let us resolve to set aside our differences.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Foster understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Live with awareness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Govern with wisdom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Prioritise the welfare of all peoples, of all faiths and creeds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And ensure a future of peace and dignity for everyone, everywhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

End quote.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

___<\/strong><\/p>\n

Media Contacts<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org<\/a><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser\/ Social and Digital Media\/Media Relations, M: +1 917 3614990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org<\/a><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More Information and Updates\u00a0: Website<\/a><\/u><\/b>: \u00a0YouTube: <\/a><\/u><\/b>\u00a0X (Twitter):<\/a><\/u><\/b>\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/u><\/b>: \u00a0LinkedIn: <\/a><\/u><\/b>\u00a0Photo Repository<\/a><\/u><\/b>: Bluesky<\/a><\/u><\/b>; Weekly Highlights<\/a><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

Resolutions of the 79th Session \u2013 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly<\/a><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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