A number of Buddhist leaders, scholars, and monks from all over the world will join the 18th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration in Thailand on 1-2 June 2023, under the theme “Buddhist Wisdom Coping with Global Crises.” 

The Most Venerable Professor Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council of the Day of Vesak, said that the 18th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration would be joined by more than 3,500 participants from 55 countries. 

The International Council of the Day of Vesak had decided to choose Thailand as host of this event, which would be supported by the Thai government, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, and the Sangha Supreme Council.

His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavangsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, will preside over the ceremony on 1 June at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a public Buddhist university, in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena will give a keynote speech on the topic “Buddhist Wisdom Coping with Global Crises.” There will be panel discussions on three topics:  Buddhist Wisdom to Achieve World Peace, Buddhist Advice to Cope with Climate Change, and Buddhist Contribution to Further Social and Humanitarian Development after Covid Pandemic.

Representing His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, President of the Privy Council General Surayud Chulanont will preside over the Opening Ceremony of the 18th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration at the UNESCAP Hall, United Nations Conference Center, in Bangkok on 2 June. On this occasion, the 2023 Bangkok Declaration will be announced.

Falling on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, "Vesak," commonly referred to among Thais as "Visakha Puja,” is the holiest day of the year for Buddhists all over the world. It commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away. An extraordinary aspect of the occasion is that the three incidents took place on the same day but different years.

The United Nations in 1999 recognized the Day of Vesak as an international event to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism has made and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. Since then, Thailand has held celebrations of the day at the international level. 

This year, the Day of Vesak falls on 3 June. Buddhists all over the country have also been urged to join various activities during Visakha Puja Week, to be held from 1 to 7 June.