Press Release

The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan in New York joined members of the international community in observing the International Day of Vesak for the year 2019 at the United Nations General Assembly Hall on 17 May 2019. Bhutan is a member of the Organizing Committee led by the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand. The commemoration event was attended by H.E. Ms. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Maria Luiza RiberioViotti, Chef de Cabinet of the Executive Office of the Secretary General, representatives of Member States, Buddhist monks, members of Buddhist communities, and other well wishers.

During the event, Ambassador DomaTshering, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the UN, conveyed the best wishes and greetings of His Majesty The King, the Royal Government and People of Bhutan. Kutshab spoke of the importance of Vesak Day at the UN as a celebration of cultural diversity, and the international community’s recognition of the contribution that Buddhism has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity.

Kutshab highlighted the significance of Due Chen Nga Zom in Bhutan, which coincides this year with 17 June 2019.

Earlier in the day, officers of the Mission also participated in the traditional Dhana, or prayer and merit making ceremony, at the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka.