Sri Lankan, Thai Missions in Kenya celebrate UN Vesak

The High Commission of Sri Lanka and the Thai Embassy in Kenya hosted the International Vesak Day 2024 celebration at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. This event commemorated the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away of Lord Buddha and marked the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly resolution 54/115, recognizing the Day of Vesak internationally. 

The celebration featured the esteemed presence of Ven Dr. Ilukpitiye Pannasekara Thero, Chief Monk for the African Continent from the Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Tanzania, along with the Director of the United Nations in Nairobi, Ms. Sandra Macharia, Maurice Okoth Amisi, Director of Asia Pacific at MOFA, and other dignitaries, excellencies, and distinguished guests. 

UN Under-Secretary-General and Director of the United Nations in Nairobi, Ms. Sandra Macharia, delivered a special Vesak Day message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Guterres’ message emphasized that the principles of Vesak resonate deeply with the goals of the United Nations. He noted that Buddha’s teachings of tolerance, compassion, and service to humanity offer solace and strength in these troubled times. 

High Commissioner Kananathan welcomed all attendees, expressing gratitude to the co-sponsors of the 1999 resolution. He highlighted the profound relevance of Vesak Day in today's world, stressing the need for peace and compassion amidst modern challenges. 

"This is a time for deep contemplation on Buddha's timeless teachings," Kananathan said. "Celebrating 25 years of UN recognition, Vesak Day serves as a reminder of the principles of love, compassion, and non-violence. It calls for reflection on our actions and inspires efforts toward social justice, environmental protection, and the alleviation of suffering." Kananathan urged attendees to dedicate themselves to creating a world guided by wisdom, empathy, and respect for all beings, embracing Buddha's qualities of love, compassion, joy, and calmness. 

He also expressed sincere gratitude to participants of all religious beliefs, noting that Buddhism promotes world peace and universal harmony beyond faith, language, and cultural differences. The diverse attendance underscored a shared commitment to understanding, compassion, and cooperation for the betterment of the global community. 

In a gesture of goodwill and solidarity, together with the representatives of the Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities, High Commissioner Kananathan bestowed a sacred Buddha statue to the UN Offices in Kenya, symbolizing peace, enlightenment, and the profound spiritual connection between communities.