Arising from the Resolution adopted by the United Nations Assembly in New York, USA in 1999, the thrice-sacred day of Vesak – Birth, Enlightenment and Passing away of Sakyamuni Gotama The Buddha, has been celebrated annually since 2005. The International Organizing Committee of the United Nations Day of Vesak (hereinafter refer to as “IOC) formed amongst the representatives of the Buddhist organizations or Centers from 61 countries organized the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand in 2005, 2006, 2007 under the patronage of the Supreme Sangha Council and the Government of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand and in Hanoi in 2008, under the patronage of the Sangha Council and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The members of the Buddhist called themselves as the International Organizing Committee of the United Nations Day of Vesak assembled at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University; Ayutthaya, Thailand do hereby agree to the formation of the International Council for the Day of Vesak.

The Headquarters of the ICDV is in Thailand with its official address at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Aims and Objectives

1. Propagate the sublime doctrine of the Buddha.

2. Promote unity, solidarity and brotherhood amongst Buddhists.

3. Encourage, foster and develop the qualities of truth, compassion and to practice the Teaching of the Buddha.

4. Internationally recognize and observe the Day of Vesak, the thrice sacred day commemorating the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha, as the day of religion and culture.

5. To promote, foster and maintain collaborations between the different Buddhists traditions, in order to foster and support Buddhist Culture, Philosophy and Practice for the well-being and happiness of humanity.

6. To organize conferences, workshops and forums to discuss academic, social and religious issues.

7. To encourage Buddhist academics and scholars to dialogue and contribute to promotion of Buddhist studies and philosophy.

8. To encourage the practice of Buddha-Dhamma and to meet the challenges of the world that is faced by humanity.

9. To discuss matters relating to the general welfare of the World Buddhist Community and to deliberate on the issues this may arise from time to time.

10. ICDV in affirming its Joint Communiqué recognizes the fundamental goals of the founding members commits itself to strive for peace in the world.

11. ICDV will, in cooperation and collaboration with International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) organizes international seminar, forum, symposium to promote unity and solidarity in order to achieve its Aims and Objectives.