Grand Opening of 21st World Vesak Day Celebration Under 'Buddhist Wisdom' for Global Sustainable Development
The 21st World Vesak Day celebration opened May 26 in China, bringing together Buddhist leaders and representatives from 66+ countries to discuss applying Buddhist wisdom to global sustainable development. Thailand will host the 22nd confer
The 21st World Vesak Day celebration kicked off in grand fashion on May 26, 2025, in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, under the concept of 'Buddhist Wisdom for Sustainable Global Development and Building a Shared Future for Humanity.' Buddhist leaders, academics, and representatives from nations worldwide participated in large numbers. The opening ceremony, brimming with grandeur and spiritual fervor, began at 8:30 a.m. with chanting of Buddhist scriptures for world peace, followed by the formal opening at 9:00 a.m. Most Ven. Yan Jue, chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, welcomed participants warmly, while Phra Prom Bandith, Ph.D., chairman of the World Vesak Day Council and president of the International Buddhist University Association, delivered the official opening address.
Special lectures and international plenary sessions were held to exchange perspectives on 'Buddhist Wisdom in Promoting Sustainable Global Development and Building a Shared Future for Humanity,' generating significant interest among participants. Phra Prom Vajradthiraj, Ph.D., rector of Mahachulalongkornraj University, noted the auspicious occasion of Vesak Day, marking the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of the Buddha. This year, the Buddhist Association of China, with government support, hosted the 21st World Vesak Day Conference under the theme of 'Buddhist Wisdom for Sustainable Development and Humanity's Shared Future.' Representatives from over 66 countries participated to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and promote Buddhist values in Wuxi.
Thailand's delegation, led by Phra Prom Bandith, chairman of the World Vesak Day Council, and representatives from Mahachulalongkornraj University, participated in this important mission to strengthen international Buddhist relations. Thailand has been honored to host the 22nd World Vesak Day Conference in 2026, offering an opportunity to promote 'Buddhist Wisdom' for peace, understanding, and humanity's sustainable development. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapol Suyaprom, Vice-Rector of General Affairs at Mahachulalongkornraj University, noted that the university has played a vital role in supporting the conference for over 21-22 years, sending over 100 administrators, faculty, and staff. The university will host again next year, marking the Buddha's 100th anniversary commemoration.