NEW YORK:- Nepal has called on the international community to translate the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha into action to advance global peace, harmony and cooperation amid growing conflict, division and climate challenges worldwide.

Addressing the Commemorative Event of the International Day of Vesak 2026 at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, said Buddha’s teachings continue to offer a path toward peace, compassion and shared human values in an increasingly fractured world.

The event was jointly organized by the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand to the United Nations.

Highlighting Lumbini — the birthplace of Lord Buddha — as a global symbol of peace and spiritual renewal, Thapa said the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, non-violence, mindfulness, unity and wisdom remain profoundly relevant at a time when the world is facing wars, inequality, social polarization and environmental crises.

“Peace begins within and must be consciously cultivated,” he said, calling for greater solidarity, dignity, justice and cooperation among nations.

According to the United Nations, the programme featured a high-level segment, religious blessings and a special address by the Most Venerable Bhikku Paññakāra, who led the 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace”, along with statements from participating member states.

Thapa said Vesak should be viewed not only as a religious observance, but also as a collective call to promote peace, harmony and a more just and sustainable future for humanity.

The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 54/115, recognized the Day of the Full Moon in May as the International Day of Vesak, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.