HIGH-LEVEL DISCUSSION IN OBSERVANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF VESAK

On 8 May 2026, at the United Nations Office in Geneva, the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva hosted a high-level discussion on “Buddha, the Geneva Conventions, and World Peace” to mark the International Day of Vesak.

Ambassador D. Gerelmaa, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva and other international organizations, took part in the discussion and highlighted that the Buddha’s teachings, grounded in compassion and wisdom, align with the humanitarian principles of the Geneva Conventions and contribute to world peace and interfaith harmony.

She also noted that, although the Geneva Conventions are a modern legal instrument, their ethical foundation draws on longstanding religious teachings that emphasize compassion and respect for human dignity.

At the inaugural conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, held in Sri Lanka in 1950, the 15th day of the first lunar month of summer was officially designated as Vesak Day.