More than 1,000 Buddhist representatives, guests, scholars,  and devotees from 73 countries and regions gathered in Bangkok to  commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha. They  conducted in-depth discussions and extensive exchanges around the theme  of the event, “The Buddhist Way to Build Trust and Unity”.

The  cooperation between Buddhist cultures promoted the spread and  development of Buddhism on a global scale. The religious event  transcended national borders and gathered the wisdom of all people,  which was of great significance for promotion of Buddhist culture. The  opening remarks were made by the Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit,  President of the International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV) and the  International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU). The chair was  held by His Holiness, the Deputy Sangharaja of Thailand. The keynote  speech, “The Buddhist Way of Building Trust and Solidarity”, was  delivered by Mr Phichit Chuenban, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office in  Thailand.  

The main conference had three panel discussions. The first  panel, “Application of Buddhist Mindfulness for Health and Well-being”,  was moderated by Ven. Dr Khammai Dhammasami, who represented the UK. The  second panel, “Buddhist Path to Trust and Global Partnership”, was  moderated by Ven. Dr T. Dhammaratana, who represented France. The third  panel, “Relevance of Buddhist Education for Harmonious Society”, was  moderated by Ven Dr. Chao Chu, of the Los Angeles Buddhist Union, who  represented the USA.  

Monks who represented Sri Lanka included: the Most  Ven.Warakagoda Gnanarathana, Mahanayake of the Asgiri sect; Ven.  Akuratiye Nanda; Ven. Banagala Upatissa, the Chief Sanghanayaka of  Japan; and Ven. Matara Wimalabuddhi. Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu represented  the Vietnamese National Buddhist Assembly. Representing the laity were  Dr. Kirivandeniya, Ms. Momoe Saito of Japan, and Revd. Dr. Sean Thompson  from the Los Angeles Buddhist Union (USA).  

On the second day, the conference was held at the United  Nations Convention Center in Bangkok. General H.E. Surayud Chulanont,  the Private Councillor to  the King of Thailand, opened the  session and delivered his opening remarks and extended his best wishes  to Buddhists all over the world. Goodwill messages also came from the  Secretary-General of the United Nations, Director-General of UNESCO,  Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the Executive  Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia  and the Pacific (ESCAP).