The Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Mr. Kim Hak-Su, has urged people to think beyond their narrow, short-term self interests and rise to a universal perspective from which the welfare of the broader human community appears as important as their own well-being.

The call was made in his welcoming speech on May 27 at the United Nations Conference Center. He said that the universal message of peace, goodwill, compassion, and most importantly, awareness of oneself as preached by Lord Buddha more than 2,500 years ago has never more relevant than today. These ideals are close to those of the United Nations: understanding amongst people, the pursuit of harmony, and the promotion of peace.

He was delighted to note that this year’s Vesak Day coincides with the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of His Majesty the King of Thailand and the 60th anniversary of the founding of UNESCAP. Last year, the then United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented the Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to His Majesty the King for his life-long efforts in promoting sustainable development, with the people at the heart of development endeavors. Mr. Annan praised His Majesty’s thoughts on “Sufficiency Economy” as a philosophy of great relevance to communities everywhere during these times of rapid globalization. His Majesty’s efforts echo those of UNESCAP, the goal of which is to contribute to the alleviation of poverty in the region and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Mr. Kim Hak-Su also read the message of Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary-General, who said that the annual observance of the Day of Vesak highlights the principles of compassion, understanding, and peace preached by the Buddha. Events of recent years have created a growing gulf between communities and nations. They have led to a worrying rise in intolerance and cross-cultural tensions. Reversing these trends has become vital to long-term peace and stability. This requires every one to look beyond their narrow short-term self-interests. As the Buddha teaches, we must be mindful of our words and actions, and their effects on people around us.

news research  by ven.phramasrithont Director Information Technology
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