About 1,000 delegates, 70 countries, 4 days of dialogue, a message from Wang Huning, and a question: how can ancient wisdom heal today’s world? As reported by CCTV+, Wang Huning, a senior official of the Communist Party of China, sent a congratulatory letter to the 21st UN Vesak Day Conference, which opened on Tuesday in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, warmly congratulated the participants.

In his letter, Wang stressed that the Chinese government firmly adheres to the UN-centered international system, based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China will continue to support its Buddhist community in strengthening friendly exchanges on the basis of independence, equality and mutual respect.

Wang expressed the hope that participants from around the world will continue the fine traditions of Buddhism and contribute their wisdom and strength to strengthening world peace, promoting people’s well-being and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Vesak is one of the most important festivals in Buddhism. This is the first time China has hosted the UN Vesak Day. This year’s event is dedicated to the role of Buddhist wisdom in promoting global sustainable development. It has brought together about 1,000 representatives, scholars and guests from nearly 70 countries.

Organizers noted that the four-day event also serves as an important platform for strengthening dialogue among Buddhist communities around the world.

Ancient wisdom knows no borders. It needs no visas or translations. 70 countries, 1,000 delegates, 4 days in Wuxi. Buddhism speaks of compassion. Diplomacy speaks of cooperation. The meeting of these two languages is a rare harmony. China is hosting Vesak for the first time. Not to teach, but to remind: the world is held together not by force, but by wisdom. And while politicians argue, monks pray. Perhaps we should listen to them more often.

Note: Vesak (Buddha Day) is the most important Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. In 1999, the UN General Assembly officially recognized it as an international day, highlighting Buddhism’s contribution to humanity’s spiritual development.