Samarkand: UNESCO adopted by acclamation Resolution 43 C/22 on the Commemoration of the International Day of Vesak at its 43rd General Conference in Samarkand. The landmark Resolution was initiated by Sri Lanka and was adopted by the General Conference as per the provisions of the Executive Board Decision 219 EX/27 of March 2024, which requested the Director-General to transmit the Decision on the Annual Commemoration of Vesak to the General Conference at its 43rd Session for adoption.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the General Conference Resolution was based on and built upon the UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 (1999) on the International Recognition of the Day of Vesak at the United Nations. The UNESCO General Conference Resolution emphasized the continuing relevance of Buddhism, its universal values, and practices for the health and well-being of contemporary society. It requested the Director-General to issue an annual message on the International Day of Vesak and to make appropriate arrangements to commemorate the International Day of Vesak annually in May at UNESCO Headquarters, in consultation with relevant Permanent Delegations wishing to collaborate.
Addressing the Social and Human Sciences Commission following the adoption of the Resolution, the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, welcomed the adoption of the General Conference Resolution 43 C/22. She reiterated the Day’s universal significance as a global celebration of peace, inter-cultural dialogue, and shared humanity. The Ambassador highlighted the Resolution’s alignment with UNESCO’s core mandate, Major Programmes III and IV, and SDG 16 on the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. She extended her deep appreciation to all Member States, the Director-General, and the Secretariat for their support in adopting the historic Resolution.
The initial Executive Board Decision 219 EX/27 of March 2024 was co-authored by Sri Lanka and a group of like-minded countries, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand, with support from UNESCO Member States across all regions, including India. Following the adoption of the Executive Board Decision in 2024, Sri Lanka collaborated with Member States and the UNESCO Secretariat through cultural events and symposiums to demonstrate Vesak’s validity as a cultural celebration that unites civilizations while celebrating humanity’s shared heritage.
Statements were also delivered by the Ambassadors and Permanent Delegates of India and Vietnam, and the Delegation of Bangladesh, welcoming the adoption of the historic Resolution at the UNESCO General Conference.