The United Nations Day of Vesak 2026 is taking place over three days from May 26 to 28 in China, with more than 1,000 international delegates from 76 countries and territories expected to attend.

This year’s Vesak celebrations carry the theme: “Buddhist Wisdom for Global Sustainable Development and a Shared Future for Humanity.”

In 2025, the Buddhist Association of China officially received the hosting rights from leaders of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) during the closing ceremony of the UN Vesak 2025 celebrations held in Ho Chi Minh City.

At noon on May 25, the VBS delegation arrived in Wuxi city in China’s Jiangsu province to begin participating in Vesak 2026 activities. The delegation consists of 41 members led by Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon - Vice Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

According to the program, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon will deliver remarks at the opening session, while Venerable Thich Duc Thien - Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Executive Council - will present a paper during the event’s academic forums.

During the journey, the delegation was welcomed by Most Venerable Pho Nhan, President of the Suzhou Buddhist Association in Jiangsu province and abbot of Tay Vien Gioi Trang Luat Pagoda, who also shared updates on local Buddhist activities.

On the afternoon of May 26, at the Music Hall inside the Linh Son scenic complex in Wuxi city, Most Venerable Thich Dien Giac, President of the Buddhist Association of China, warmly welcomed Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon and senior dignitaries of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

During the cordial meeting, Buddhist leaders from both countries held open and sincere discussions on Buddhist affairs, sharing experiences in Sangha administration, monastic education, and cooperation in Buddhist education and cultural exchanges. The two senior monks also expressed their desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, contributing to the enduring friendship between Vietnamese and Chinese Buddhism.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ message for Vesak 2026

This year’s Vesak celebrations take place at a time when the human family is being swept into geopolitical tensions, division, and conflict.

In 2023, I had the honor of visiting the sacred birthplace of the Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal. That pilgrimage deepened my belief that solutions to today’s turmoil can be found in the Buddha’s timeless teachings on non-violence, compassion, and selfless service to others.

Let us follow the Buddha’s example by nurturing compassion and solidarity within ourselves and among one another, so we may build a more peaceful and sustainable world - a world that everyone needs and deserves.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Vesak season.

Hong Phuc