Vesak Day at the United Nations

The 2600th Anniversary of Buddha's Enlightenment
The United Nations Vesak and the 2600th Anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment at the United Nations Headquarters, New York City, New York United States of America on Monday the 14th Waxing Moon of Visakha B.E.2554, May 16, A.D.2011 Year of the Rabbit

"The Buddha's assertion that: 'the way to change the world is to change the nature of man' offers a critical insight into how to improve conditions for our planet and its inhabitants... I invite Buddhists and people of all traditions to use the occasion of the Day of Vesak to reflect on how we can change our actions to pave the way for a more sustainable future." U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.

The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, 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. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with the relevant UN offices and with permanent missions, which also wish to be consulted.

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