Brussels hosts first official UN observance of Vesak Day

June 1, Kathmandu: The Embassy of Nepal in Brussels, Belgium, in partnership with seven Asian nations, the United Nations Office in Brussels, and the Buddhist Union of Belgium, hosted a high-level diplomatic gathering to commemorate the Day of Vesak at the UN House.

The historic event represented the first official joint observance of the sacred day at the United Nations headquarters in Brussels. Established under UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 to honor the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha, the annual commemoration was co-sponsored by Nepal and is observed across global UN missions.

Distinguished international delegates, European lawmakers, and regional diplomats addressed the gathering, reflecting on the modern relevance of Buddhist principles in navigating contemporary global crises and geopolitical uncertainty. Key speakers included Thailand’s Ambassador Kanchana Patarachoke, Director of the UN Office in Brussels Camilla Brückner, and prominent members of the European Parliament representing regional delegations for South and Southeast Asia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also delivered a dedicated video address to the assembly.

Led by Nepali Ambassador Sewa Lamsal alongside diplomatic representatives from Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, the program paired formal policy discourse with spiritual practices. The agenda featured a guided meditation session focused on deploying compassion within international diplomacy, an animated presentation on the life of Gautam Buddha, and an expert-led academic panel examining collective regional strategies for social harmony and diversity.