From May 26 to 27, the 21st United Nations Day of Vesak for the B.E. 2570 (2026) was celebrated at the Lingshan Buddhist Palace in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, with the theme "Promoting Global Sustainable Development and Building a Shared Future for Humanity through Buddhist Wisdom." Over 1,000 monastic and lay followers from more than 60 countries attended the event. Representing the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism were Ven. Jinseong, director of the Social Affairs Office, and International Exchange Committee members Vens. Jeongbeom, Munjong, Wongeol, Gyeongwan, and Hyewun.

The Jogye Order delegation met with Buddhist leaders from around the world, who are united in their commitment to spreading the spirit of community, world peace, respect for life, and the values of a sustainable future, all of which are grounded in Buddhist wisdom.

Ven. Jeongbeom served as a panelist and delivered a presentation on the topic “Buddhism’s Contribution to Shared Prosperity.” He emphasized, “Today, humanity faces complex crises, including extreme polarization, the climate crisis, ecological destruction, and spiritual isolation, even amidst material abundance,” adding, “We need to move beyond the past definition of prosperity centered on economic growth and embrace the true value of common welfare, where humans coexist peacefully with one another and with nature.”

In his presentation, Ven. Jeongbeom highlighted examples of Korean Buddhism’s social engagement, including temple cuisine, Templestay programs, the Global Seon Meditation Summit, the Yeondeunghoe Lantern Festival, and international Buddhist cultural exchanges. He emphasized that Korean Buddhism transcends religious boundaries to actively practice global solidarity and cultural diplomacy for the sake of life, peace, and a sustainable future.

“Shared prosperity can only be realized within the world of Indra’s Net, where all life breathes together. Korean Buddhism will continue to guide humanity toward a future where we humans and nature coexist in harmony,” said Ven. Jeongbeom. 

During the closing ceremony at the Miaoyin Hall of the Lingshan Buddhist Palace, Ven. Dhammaratana, the vice president of the International Day of Vesak Council (ICDV), presented the key outcomes of the 21st UN Vesak Day discussions. Then, Venerable Juexing, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and president of the Shanghai Buddhist Association, announced the "21st UN Vesak Day Wuxi Declaration."

The declaration presented global peace, shared prosperity, the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind as core values. It emphasized that the international community must work together based on the Buddhist principles of compassion, the Middle Way, harmony, and equality to build a sustainable future.

It also urged Buddhists and the international community to respect international law and multilateral cooperation to build a fair, peaceful, and sustainable world.