科菲·安南给首届佛教论坛的贺信

The Buddha’s ethnical and humanitarian ideals gave birth to a vibrant spiritual tradition that continues, more than 2,500 years later, to ennoble the lives of millions of people.

Today, all over the world, Buddhist celebrate the message of compassion, understanding and mutual respect that the Buddha brought to Mankind.

Today, the Buddha’s vision of peace may be more relevant than ever before, indeed, if we want to have a chance of overcoming the many challenge that face us today-----in the fields of peace and security, development, and the protection of our global environment-----we must think beyond our narrow, short—term self interests, and raise ourselves to universal perspectives from which the well-being of the broader human community can be seen to be as important as our individual well-being. Each of us shares the hope of a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future. Our action----as individual and as member of our communities----must be guided by that common dream.

Let us remember, therefore, that whatever our origin, race, culture and belief, we are not essentially different. Above all, we share the same home, an ever smaller planet on which we are bound to live together. So, Let us work together towards the common good and the harmonious and peaceful coexistence of all the world people.

United Nations

The Secretary_general

Kofi A. Annann