March 31, Colombo (LNW): The 219th Session of UNESCO’s Executive Board unanimously adopted a Decision to commemorate the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO, aligning with the organisation’s core mission of fostering global peace, intercultural dialogue, and cultural heritage preservation.
This significant decision, rooted in the historic UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 of 1999, was championed by Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar.
It was formally adopted on March 26, 2024, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, marking the 25th anniversary of Vesak’s international recognition at the United Nations.
Led by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO and co-sponsored by a cross-regional coalition of 38 member states, including 16 Executive Board members, the Decision mandates the UNESCO Director-General to issue an annual message on the International Day of Vesak.
Additionally, arrangements will be made to commemorate Vesak annually at UNESCO Headquarters starting this year (2024), with plans to present the Decision to UNESCO’s General Conference in November 2025 for formal adoption.
In presenting the Decision, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, emphasised the universal significance of Vesak and its embodiment of cultural diversity.
She highlighted the resonance between Vesak’s teachings and UNESCO’s key objectives, particularly in promoting inclusive education and combating discrimination.
Supporting the Decision, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma, lauded the enduring relevance of the Four Noble Truths and congratulated the initiative led by Sri Lanka.
During deliberations, the Decision garnered endorsement from UNESCO’s Assistant Directors-General for Social and Human Sciences, Culture, and Priority Africa and External Relations, along with the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, underscoring UNESCO’s commitment to the commemoration.
The Decision’s co-sponsors include a diverse array of nations, reflecting widespread international support for the recognition of Vesak’s significance.
