Monks pray for world peace  during the UN Vesak Day 2019 celebration in Vietnam, May 12-14. (Photo:  Lam Khanh/VNA)

China’s Xinhua news agency ran an article highlighting the opening ceremony last Saturday at Tam Chuc pagoda and this year’s theme “Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies” and its aim of helping realize the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Between the opening and closing ceremonies, this year’s programme included one domestic and five international workshops on issues such as responsible leadership for sustainable peace, Xinhua reported. 

Cuba’s Prensa Latina news agency also ran a story on UN Day of Vesak 2019, saying that the leaders of many countries as well as representatives of religious organizations around the world acknowledge the contributions of Buddhism to the growth and harmony of humankind.
This is the third time the UN's commemoration of Vesak has been held in Vietnam. Previously, it has taken place in Hanoi in 2008 and in Ninh Binh province in 2014.