Nepal Urges World to Translate Buddha’s Teachings into Action for Peace
Nepal has called on the international community to put the teachings of Lord Buddha into practice to promote global peace, cooperation and harmony amid rising global conflicts and challenges.
Speaking at the Commemorative Event of the International Day of Vesak 2026 at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, said Buddha’s teachings continue to offer the world a path toward peace, compassion and mutual understanding.
The event was jointly organised by the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand.
In his address, Thapa highlighted Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha as a global symbol of peace, spiritual renewal and shared human values.
He stressed that Buddha’s timeless teachings of compassion, non-violence, mindfulness, unity and wisdom remain deeply relevant in a world increasingly affected by conflict, division, inequality and climate challenges.
“Peace begins within and must be consciously cultivated,” Thapa said, urging greater solidarity, dignity, justice and cooperation among nations.
He noted that Vesak should not be viewed solely as a religious observance, but as a collective call to advance peace, harmony and a more just and sustainable future for humanity.
The programme featured a high-level segment, religious blessings and a special address by Bhikku Paññakāra, who led the 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace.” Representatives from participating member states also delivered statements during the event, according to the United Nations.
The International Day of Vesak was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 54/115, which declared the Day of the Full Moon in May as an international observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.
The occasion serves as an opportunity for the international community to reflect on the universal values embodied in Buddha’s teachings, which continue to inspire peace, compassion and harmony across cultures and societies worldwide.
