STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF VESAK ON 14 MAY 2025, 3.30 – 5.00 PM

Excellencies
Distinguished Co-chairs 
Venerable Monks

1 I extend our warmest wishes of goodwill on this commemoration of the International Day of Vesak.  

2 I would like to express my delegation’s deepest appreciation to the Permanent Representative of Thailand Ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid and the Chargé d’Affaires of Sri Lanka Chatura Perera, for organising this very important event today at the United Nations. 

3 Vesak Day is one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar.  As we gather to honour the birth, enlightenment and passing into Nirvana of Gautama Buddha, we are reminded of the timeless values the Buddha espoused – peace, harmony, compassion, tolerance, selflessness and kindness. At a time when the world is marked by widening inequality, rising intolerance, and violent conflict, these principles are more relevant and essential than ever before. In facing today’s challenges, we would do well to draw strength and guidance from the enduring teachings of Gautama Buddha.

4 Vesak Day is observed as an important religious day in Singapore. Each year, many Buddhists mark this occasion by performing acts of generosity and compassion, reflecting the essence of Buddha’s message through action and service.

5 Singapore is a very diverse multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religious society, and we are very proud of this fact. In Singapore, the Buddhist community is the largest religious group, making up over a third of the resident population and it plays a vital role in our country's multi-racial and multi-religious fabric. Known for their generosity and inclusiveness, Buddhist organisations like the Singapore Buddhist Lodge provide free meals, healthcare, and education to those in need, regardless of race or religion. The Buddhist community also actively promotes interfaith harmony through dialogue and partnerships with other religious groups which we value very much. The Singapore Buddhist Federation in particular has actively engaged leaders of various faiths and religions, and participated in Racial and Religious Harmony Circles to promote mutual understanding and respect. In these tumultuous times, inter-faith dialogue is very important and much needed, not only in Singapore but in countries around the world.

Excellencies, Monks and Nuns, 

6 The values of compassion, tolerance, and respect for others are central to the Buddhist way of life. These enduring ideals transcend time, culture and creed, and have deep salience for our shared humanity. In an increasingly interconnected and divisive world, these principles are more relevant than ever. Let us embrace these principles as we strive to bridge divides, promote peace, and advance the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

7 I was very moved by the melodious prayers and chants by the honourable monks and nuns gathered here. I thank them for their prayers and blessings. This is a house of the people of the world, and this is a house that will always benefit from the blessings and benedictions of people who pray. On this day, let us reaffirm the bonds that unite us as one global community, renew our collective commitment to peace and work together to build a more compassionate and inclusive world. I wish you all a blessed Vesak Day.

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