21st United Nations Day of Vesak concludes with Wuxi Declaration adopted

The closing ceremony of the 21st United Nations Day of Vesak is held in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, May 27, 2026. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]

The 21st United Nations Day of Vesak concluded in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu province, on May 27, with participants adopting the Wuxi Declaration. The document called for strengthening the foundations of lasting peace, practicing selflessness and altruism, promoting harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Held from May 26-27, the program brought together about 1,000 scholars and Buddhist representatives from around the world to discuss how Buddhist wisdom and philosophy can contribute to global sustainability, shared development and world peace.

During thematic sessions, participants exchanged views on promoting human well-being and common prosperity, advancing green development and building partnerships for sustainable peace worldwide through Buddhist teachings.

The Wuxi Declaration stated that Buddhist principles such as compassion, the Middle Way, harmony and the equality of all beings possess the spiritual power to transcend civilizations and faiths, offering wisdom to address humanity's common challenges.

The declaration called on Buddhists around the globe to safeguard world peace and enhance the well-being of all sentient beings. It also urged the international community to strengthen multilateral cooperation, uphold international law and jointly build a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

In addition, the declaration advocated green, low-carbon and sustainable lifestyles, encouraging efforts in ecological restoration, environmental protection and harmony between humans and nature.

Participants also emphasized promoting exchanges through Buddhist culture and arts, encouraging mutual learning among civilizations and jointly addressing global challenges to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, president of the International Council for the Day of Vesak, attended the closing ceremony and praised the Chinese government's support for the Buddhist community's participation in global dialogue and exchanges among civilizations. He said that such efforts have played an important role in helping the international community build consensus.

"Let us embody the principles of the Wuxi Declaration and use the light of Buddhist wisdom to promote sustainable development, peace and harmony for the benefit of all beings," he said.