Secretary-General, in Message to World Buddhist Forum, Stresses Essential Need to Counter Religious Intolerance with Interfaith Understanding

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the Fourth World Buddhist Forum, held in Wuxi, China, 24-25 October:

I am pleased to send warm greetings to all participants at the Fourth World Buddhist Forum.  Your meeting falls just after the adoption of a landmark set of Sustainable Development Goals to guide the global fight for human dignity over the next 15 years.

This ambitious but achievable plan to protect our planet and all people requires partnerships to succeed.  That is why I welcome your focus on the positive role of Buddhist thought in addressing real-world problems.

Buddhism illuminates the connections between life and the environment, reminding us that we are all interconnected.  The Buddhist focus on compassion for all beings can serve as a powerful compass as we chart the course to a better future.

I appreciate the contributions of many Buddhist organizations which have engaged with the United Nations on important issues of our day, including the eradication of poverty, the protection of the environment and the elimination of nuclear weapons.  I am especially encouraged by the young Buddhists who volunteer their time to advance our common values.

One of the gravest threats facing humanity is the rise of violent extremism, often driven by hateful distortions of religious teachings.  It is essential to counter this intolerance with interfaith understanding.  Based on the Buddha’s wisdom affirming the equality of all human beings, I hope your Forum can help contribute to a climate of greater tolerance and respect for people of all faiths.

Please accept my best wishes for your great success.