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International Vesak Day Celebration at UNO in Kenya

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Nairobi Kenya: The High Commission of Sri Lanka and Royal Thai Embassy in Kenya today hosted a momentous celebration of International Vesak Day 2024 at the United Nations Office (UNO) in Nairobi. The event marked the Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinibbana of Lord Buddha and celebrated the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly resolution 54/115, which recognises the Day of Vesak internationally.

The celebration witnessed the presence of Venerable Dr. Ilukpitiye Pannasekara Thera, Chief Monk for the African Continent from the Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Tanzania, Director of the United Nations in Nairobi, Sandra Macharia, Maurice Okoth Amisi, Director of Asia Pacific at MOFA, alongside other dignitaries, and distinguished guests.

The Director of the United Nations in Nairobi, Sandra Macharia, read the Vesak Day special message issued by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. The Secretary General’s message underlined that the principles of Vesak have a deep resonance with the goals of the United Nations, and the Buddha’s teachings of tolerance, compassion, and service to humanity are a source of solace and strength at this time of strife.

High Commissioner (HC) Kananathan extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees and expressed gratitude to the co-sponsors of the 1999 resolution, marking this special occasion. He highlighted Vesak Day’s profound relevance in today’s world, emphasising the need for peace and compassion amidst modern challenges. Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner remarked on the pressing global challenges faced today. He stated this is a time for deep contemplation on Buddha’s timeless teachings. Celebrating 25 years of UN recognition, Vesak Day serves as a reminder of the principles of love, compassion, and non-violence. It calls for reflection on our actions and inspires efforts toward social justice, environmental protection, and the alleviation of suffering. Attendees were urged to dedicate themselves to creating a world guided by wisdom, empathy, and respect for all beings, embracing Buddha’s qualities of love, compassion, joy, and calmness.

The High Commissioner expressed sincere gratitude to participants of all religious beliefs, noting Buddhism’s promotion of world peace and universal harmony beyond faith, language, and cultural differences.

The diverse attendance underscored a shared commitment to understanding, compassion, and cooperation for the global community’s betterment.

Kananathan emphasised that true world peace can only be achieved through the creation of peaceful individuals, highlighting the UN’s role in building frameworks for betterment.

In a demonstration of goodwill and solidarity, HC Kananathan alongside representatives of the Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities bestowed a Sacred Buddha statue to the UN Offices in Kenya. This blessed and revered statue represents peace, enlightenment, and the profound spiritual connection between the communities.

The HC of Sri Lanka in Kenya is dedicated to promoting diplomatic relations, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between Sri Lanka and Kenya. The mission is actively engages in community events and celebrations that highlight shared values and foster global peace and cooperation.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to foster a world of peace, understanding, and harmony. The celebration of Vesak Day at the UN highlights the shared human values and the enduring impact of Buddha’s teachings on global peace and unity.

The post International Vesak Day Celebration at UNO in Kenya appeared first on DailyNews.

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