STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MONGOLIA D.GERELMAA AT THE COMMEMORATIVE EVENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF VESAK (05 May 2023)

Honorable Madam Valovaya, Director General of the UN Office in Geneva,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Spiritual brothers and sisters,

At the outset, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand and the International Buddhist Foundation in Geneva for organizing this commemorative event on occasion of the International Day of Vesak.

On this auspicious day, we gather together as a community to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of our Teacher, Gautama Buddha. As Mongolian Buddhists, we join millions of other Buddhists around the world in celebrating this significant day. We hold this day in high regard, not only for its spiritual significance but also for its cultural and historical importance.

Buddhism has a rich and unique history in Mongolia, dating back to the time of the great Mongol Empire. During this period, Buddhism played a significant role in shaping Mongolian culture and society, and it continues to do so to this day.

Another aspect of Mongolian Buddhism is the strong connection between the religion and nature. Mongolians have a deep respect for the natural world and see it as an integral part of their spiritual practice. This is reflected in the many Buddhist monasteries and temples that are located in beautiful natural settings, such as mountains and forests.

The climate change has become a significant issue that not only Mongolia but the world at large faces. Mongolia believes that promoting love and respect for nature and recognizing the interdependence between humanity and the environment is echoing the Buddhist principle that planting a tree is a virtuous act for generations to come. Therefore, I would like to use this moment to introduce our President’s campaign to raise awareness of this issue, encouraging people to take action by planting trees. The initiative aims to plant one billion trees, with the belief that planting a single tree can have a significant positive impact on the environment.

May the idea of compassion ever spread to mankind! Thank you!