Grand Vesak Celebration at UNESCO Headquarters
Paris, France – May 10, 2026
Sri Lanka Unites Nations in Grand Vesak Celebration at UNESCO Headquarters
In a remarkable celebration of peace, compassion, and intercultural harmony, Sri Lanka hosted a prestigious International Day of Vesak cultural evening at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on May 4, 2026, bringing together diplomats, religious leaders, and representatives from across the world under the inspiring theme: “Let us make haste to stand together for the common good.”
Organized by the Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO in partnership with UNESCO and fifteen Member States, the event highlighted the growing global recognition of Vesak within UNESCO’s international cultural and peace-building framework.
Vesak, one of the most sacred observances in Buddhism, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha. Celebrated by millions around the world, Vesak symbolizes peace, compassion, wisdom, and harmony among humanity, reflecting values that strongly resonate with UNESCO’s mission of intercultural dialogue and global understanding.
Representing UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Assistant Director-General for Culture a.i. Lazare Eloundou Assomo attended as Chief Guest and praised the universal teachings of the Buddha, emphasizing compassion, tolerance, unity, and respect for diversity as essential values for today’s world.
The ceremony commenced with the sacred recitation of the Jayamangala Gatha by children of Sri Lankan heritage living in France, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere within UNESCO Headquarters.
Opening the evening, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Sri Lanka and Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, Sanju Dasanayake, welcomed distinguished guests and reaffirmed Vesak’s important role in promoting UNESCO’s mission of peace, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding.
She also expressed appreciation to UNESCO and Member States for supporting the institutionalization of Vesak commemorations within UNESCO through Executive Board Decision 219 EX/27 and General Conference Resolution 43 C/22.
A powerful spiritual reflection was delivered by Venerable Parawahera Chandraratana Thero, who spoke about Buddhism’s timeless guidance in overcoming suffering and achieving inner peace.
Meanwhile, Venerable Jyotisar Shraman Thero addressed the gathering on “Embracing Buddhist Wisdom and Mindful Well-being for Peace,” highlighting mindfulness, meditation, compassion, and ethical living as pathways toward emotional balance, social harmony, and peaceful coexistence.
The evening transformed into a vibrant cultural showcase featuring traditional dance, music, and song performances presented by the Permanent Delegations of China, India, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nepal, Viet Nam, and Sri Lanka, alongside the Buddha’s Light International Association France.
Guests were also treated to a rich multicultural reception featuring cuisine from Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.
More than 500 attendees participated in the celebrations, reflecting UNESCO’s enduring commitment to peace through cultural diplomacy, mutual respect, and intercultural understanding.
The grand Vesak celebration in Paris once again positioned Sri Lanka as a leading voice in promoting global spiritual harmony and cultural unity on the international stage.
The event was moderated by Rifa Wadood, Minister, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris and Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO.
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