The Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive-Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Mr. Kim Hak-Su, today delivered a welcoming address on the occasion of the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. He also delivered a speech on behalf of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Mr. Kim Hak-Su said the conference will be discussing how Buddhism could assist humanity in achieving world peace and sustainable development. He mentioned that the UN General Assembly has decided to internationally recognize the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar. This consensus emphasizes that the ideals of Buddhism transcend the differences among members of the United Nations.

According UN Secretary-General Annan?s address, the ideals of Buddhism are close to those of the UN, which are understanding among peoples, the pursuit of harmony, and the promotion of peace. He would like participants to work together towards the common good, and for the harmonious and peaceful coexistence of all the world?s people.

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