UNESCO adopts SL–led resolution to commemorate International Day of Vesak annually

The UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand adopted by acclamation Resolution 43 C/22 on the Annual Commemoration of the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO, following a proposal initiated by Sri Lanka.  

 Issuing a statement, the Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Paris, stated that the resolution, endorsed during the 43rd General Conference on November 6, 2025, marks a historic moment in recognising the global relevance of Buddhism and its universal message of peace and compassion.  

 The adoption of the resolution follows the Executive Board Decision 219 EX/27, co-authored by Sri Lanka in March 2024 with a group of like-minded nations, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand, with broad support from UNESCO Member States across all regions, including India.  

 The resolution builds upon UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 (1999), which first recognised the Day of Vesak at the United Nations. It requests the UNESCO Director-General to issue an annual message on Vesak and to organise an annual commemoration of the day each May at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, in consultation with interested Permanent Delegations.  

 Following the adoption, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, addressing the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Commission, welcomed the decision, describing it as “a historic recognition of Vesak’s universal significance as a global celebration of peace, intercultural dialogue, and shared humanity.”  

 She emphasised that the resolution aligns closely with UNESCO’s mandate and the Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies. “The message of Vesak resonates deeply with UNESCO’s mission to build peace in the minds of people through education, culture, and dialogue,” she stated, extending gratitude to all Member States, the Director-General, and the UNESCO Secretariat for their support.  

 Sri Lanka’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO noted that in the lead-up to the resolution, the country actively collaborated on Vesak-themed events in 2024 and 2025, including the “Harmony in Motion” cultural evening and a Symposium on “Buddhist Cosmopolitanism and Exchange along the Silk Road.” These initiatives showcased Vesak as a celebration that unites civilisations and highlights the shared cultural heritage of humanity.  

 Statements of support were also delivered by the Permanent Delegations of India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, underscoring the resolution’s broad and inclusive appeal. 

BLURBS

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The resolution builds upon UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 (1999),  which first recognised the Day of Vesak at the United Nations

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This marks a historic moment in recognising the global relevance of Buddhism and its universal message of peace and compassion