MCU administrators and Preparatory meeting for Vesak 2553/2010
The United Nations (UN) resolution to recognise the “Day of Vesak” as an international event, sacred to several hundred millions who follow the teachings of the Buddha, led to its declaration as an “official international holiday”.
This solution support Buddhists all over the world to fully celebrate their most sacred day that marks the “birth, enlightenment (Nibbāna), and passing away (parinibbāna)” of Guatama Buddha. Traditionally, various countries across the world host an international conference to commemorate the event, but this year Thailand and Japan have been nominated by leaders of international Buddhist organisations to co-host the event. In addition, Thailand was selected as host venue by a unanimous vote.
In light of the decision made, the Thai government and the Thai Sangha Council have selected Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) as the main organiser of the celebration and conference that will take place during 22nd-25th May 2010. More than 83 countries are expected to attend the event; among them are participants who are supreme patriarchs, leading monks and nuns, heads of state, religious leaders, philosophers, and academics. The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held at 48 Years Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Auditorium at MCU, Lam Sai, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya campus. The closing ceremony will be held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Rajadamnern Nok, Bangkok.
The Most Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Dharmakosajarn (Honorary Royal Scholar), Rector of MCU and Executive Committee Chairperson for International Conference of the United Nations Day of Vesak (ICUNDV), met with deputy-rectors, assistant rectors, deans and others involved, to formulate the plan for hosting the celebration and conference.
The First International Organising Committee (IOC) took place during 18th-20th September 2009. After the first meeting, the IOC has come up with frame-work and main topic of the conference, which is “Global Recovery: the Buddhist Perspective”. There will be more than 3500 participants from all over the world; 1500 participants from Buddhist Organisations, together with leading monks, heads of state, religious leaders, philosophers and academics from 83 countries coupled with 2000 participants from Thailand. The 2nd International Organising Committee (ICO) will be held during 22nd – 25th January 2010.
The event will be co-organised by two main countries, Thailand and Japan, but the conference will be hosted in Thailand according to the consensus of the organising committee. Thailand has been well known as ‘The Land of Smiles’ and also has ‘very strong Buddhist Organisations’. Moreover, the Thai government has consistently been the official annual supporter of the event.
For more information, please kindly contact:
International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU), Classroom Building, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Ayutthaya, Phahon Yothin Road, Km. 55, Lam Sai, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya. Tel. (+66) 035-238098, (+66) 035-238099, (+66) 02-2266027 ext. 8098 (8:00 – 19:00 everyday)
