(VOVworld) – More than 3,000 domestic and foreign delegates attended the opening ceremony of the 2014 UN Day of Vesak at Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh province on Thursday. Themed "Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals", the event has attracted thousands of Buddhist dignitaries, monks, and nuns from nearly 100 countries and territories around the globe.

NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung addresses at the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Vietnam National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung called VESAK an opportunity to tighten solidarity and friendship to make a better society and implement the UN Millennium Development Goals. Hung said freedom of religion and belief is enshrined in Vietnam’s Constitution and key laws. Vietnam plans to preserve and uphold its traditional cultural identities and absorb global cultural finest values. He noted that Vietnam respects the noble values of religions, including Buddhism, built thousands of years ago, to promote human morality and dignity.

Various activities have been held during this year’s biggest traditional Buddhist holiday featuring the Buddhist community’s contributions to peace and the implementation of MDGs. They include chanting and prayer for world peace, a candle-lit procession, a Buddhist art exhibition, and a tour to see cultural heritage sites of Buddhism in Vietnam.
Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha, said: “this year, VESAK day is held in the holy complex of Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh province. Departing from previous celebrations, this year, we’ve organized a ceremony to pray for peace for Vietnam and the world. The worshipping pad is round and flags of various countries will be placed. Venerables representing different countries will attend the ceremony.”