After hosting a similar event in 2008, Vietnam hopes UNDV 2014 will further raise Vietnamese Buddhism’s role in international integration and spruce up the country’s position and responsibility towards the UN.
At the second meeting of the International Council for the UNDV in Ninh Binh province on March 20, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Pham Dung, Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, reported that all preparations for the festival are nearly complete.
The Vietnamese Government has directed ministries, departments and localities to create the best possible conditions for the host, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), to successfully organise the event..
Dung said the Vietnamese State has paid close attention to and respected the fine value religion contributes to society, including Buddhism – the largest religion in Vietnam.
He noted that UNDV 2014 will also provide an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to promote its land, people and culture, especially the continuous development of Vietnamese Buddhism over the past 2,000 years.
The festival is expected to attract around 15,000 domestic and foreign delegates and Buddhist followers, including world leaders, ambassadors and 1,500 Buddhist dignitaries and scholars from 95 countries and territories worldwide.
The VBS Executive Council has directed its provincial boards to ensure security and safety for participants.
Approximately 40,000 boxes of food will be supplied free to Buddhist followers while hotels in Ninh Binh are ready to provide accommodation for foreign participants.
Most Venerable Dhammaratana, Vice President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak, expressed his satisfaction at the preparation for the event and hoped that with its 2008 experience, UNDV 2014 themed "Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals” will be another great success.
During the festival, a wide range of activities will take place, such as international seminars, a Buddhist cultural fair and exhibition, international art exchange, firework displays, and Buddhist preaching.
