Leaders of the Party, State and Vietnam Buddhist Sangha attend the closing ceremony. Photo: Vinh Phong/VOV5

Over the course of three days, the Buddhist Festival welcomed thousands of delegates, including heads of state, venerable monks, and Buddhist leaders from 85 countries and territories. More than 1,000 presentations were submitted to the discussion sessions themed "Solidarity and tolerance for human dignity: Buddhist wisdom for world peace and sustainable development."

Closing ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak (Vesak 2025). Photo: Vinh Phong/VOV5

In his address delivered at the closing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh said the successful hosting of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City is evidence of the enhanced role of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

“The success of the Grand Ceremony is a testament to the many humanistic values and great achievements of the country and people of Vietnam. They are compassion, kindness, and love of peace of the Vietnamese people; the correct policy of freedom of belief and religion of the Party and its effective implementation in practice. It also shows the caring for and improving the material and spiritual life of the people, demonstrated by the participation of millions of people in the Grand Ceremony with a joyful, confident, sacred, and orderly spirit. It’s affirming Vietnam’s global position, prestige and proactive responsibility in jointly resolving global issues,” Deputy PM Binh said.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh speaks at the closing ceremony. Photo: Vinh Phong/VOV5

The Vesak adopted the Ho Chi Minh City Declaration, emphasizing that the Celebration held in Vietnam clearly demonstrates the rich, diverse, and free religious life in Vietnam as well as the strong commitments and practical implementation of the Party and State of Vietnam in respecting and protecting freedom of belief and religion for all.

Delegates attending the closing ceremony. Photo: Vinh Phong/VOV5

The Declaration underlines Vietnam’s role as one of the centers of world Buddhism coupled with cultural diplomacy, advocating solidarity and harmony for peace and happiness for people. The Ho Chi Minh City Declaration highlights solidarity and tolerance, taking people as the center, respecting human dignity, leaving no one behind on the path of sustainable development, and shared responsibility for human development.

The next United Nations Vesak will be held in 2026 in China.