On May 25, 2004 (B.E. 2547), the World Buddhist Leaders Conference on the International Recognition of Vesak Day convened at Buddha- monthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. This inaugural celebration drew participants from twelve nations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The celebration had the privilege of welcoming numerous esteemed Buddhist dignitaries and leaders, including:

• Ven. Dr. Jinabodhi Bhikkhu, Founder President Buddhist Research and Publication Centre, Bangladesh
• Ven. Ngawang Tenzin, Ex-Dorji Iopon of Bhutan, Bhutan
• H.H. Samdech Preah Sukuntheathipedei Bour Kry, Cambodia
• H.H. Somdech Preah Mahasumedhedhiptey Tep Vong, Cambodia
• Bhikkhu Dhamamasubho, Chairman of Sangha Theravada, Indonesia
• Ven. Kirinde Dhammananda Thero, Malaysia
• H.E. Khamba Lama Demberel Choijamtas, Mongolia
• Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, Chancellor of Buddhist Academy, and Sitagu University, Myanmar
• Ven. Bhikkhu Rahul, Nepal
• Ven. Seck Kwang Phing, President of Singapore Buddhist Federation, Singapore
• Ven. Galama Atthadassi Thero, Anunayaka Thero of Asgiriya Temple, Sri Lanka
• Most Ven. Seetha-Eliye Dhammananda Thero, Secretary of District Sangha Council, Sri Lanka
• Mr. Neranjan Wijeyeratna, Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa, Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, Sri Lanka

The conference emphasized four pillars of Buddhist engagement: studying, practicing, propagating, and safeguarding Buddhism. This comprehensive approach highlighted the importance of uniting the global Buddhist community in honoring the significant occasion of Vesak, while simultaneously fostering greater awareness and understanding of Buddhist teachings at the international level.

The participants reached a consensus on a Joint Communiqué that acknowledged the international recognition of Vesak Day, particularly at the United Nations Headquarters and other UN offices. This recognition, aligned with the initiative of the Government of Thailand and the Supreme Sangha Council to celebrate Vesak in 2004 (B.E. 2547) in both New York and Bangkok, affirmed the significant contribution of Buddhism — one of the world's oldest religions — to human spiritual development over more than two and a half millennia. Consequently, participants agreed that Buddhism should be protected and promoted to ensure its continued relevance and impact.

The communiqué further resolved that appropriate arrangements would be made, at no expense to the United Nations, for the international observance of Vesak at the United Nations Headquarters and other UN offices. This would be coordinated with relevant UN offices and permanent missions wishing to participate, following Thailand's designation in 2004 (B.E. 2547) to coordinate with other Buddhist nations in organizing Vesak Day celebrations at both the United Nations Headquarters in New York and its regional offices.

Consequently, the participants agreed to the following:

• We will endeavor to maintain and protect Buddhism, objects of worship and holy places worldwide.
• We will endeavor to deliver the noble messages of the Buddha to the hearts and minds of the people of the world through Buddhist studies and practice to ensure propagation of Buddhism.
• We will endeavor to promote peace, harmony and understanding among the people of the world through Buddhism.
• We will endeavor to collaborate and to celebrate, on the international scale, the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters, its regional offices and especially at the UNESCAP office in Bangkok, Thailand.

In the same year the Vesak Day celebration in Thailand was held at Buddhamonthon, a prestigious Buddhist centre, where representatives from twelve Buddhist nations gathered to participate in various commemorative activities. The event culminated in the issuance of a joint communiqué on May 25, 2004, comprising four principal points that reflected the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the participants.

Particularly noteworthy was the fourth point of the communiqué, which emphasized the international cooperation inherent in these observances: “We will endeavor to collaborate and celebrate, on an international scale, the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters, its regional offices, and especially at the UNESCAP office in Bangkok, Thailand.” This declaration highlighted the unity among Buddhists from main traditions—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana — in their collective commitment to promoting Buddhist values on the global stage.

Since 2005, the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations have grown significantly in scope and participation, with more than 80 countries and regions participating in these annual observances. Each year, joint communiqué known as the Bangkok Declaration have been issued, with nineteen such declarations produced to date. The celebrations have been held at various prestigious venues, including the United Nations Conference Centre on Rajdamnern Avenue in Bangkok, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Wangnoi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom Province.

Beyond Thailand, both Vietnam and Sri Lanka have served as hosts for the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has hosted the event on four occasions: the 5th celebration in Hanoi (2008/B.E. 2551), the 11th celebration in Ninh Binh (2014/B.E. 2557), the 16th celebration in Ha Nam (2019/B.E. 2562), and the scheduled 20th celebration in Ho Chi Minh City (2025/B.E. 2568). Sri Lanka hosted the 14th celebration in 2018 (B.E. 2561), with events taking place in both Colombo and Kandy.

The United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations function as a global convergence for Buddhist leaders and scholars, fostering unity and cooperation in promoting core Buddhist teachings while respecting the diverse interpretations of the Tipitaka across various sects. This prestigious gathering provides an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to engage with the Supreme Patriarch, senior Buddhist leaders, and scholars from around the world on a shared platform of mutual respect and understanding.

During these celebrations, significant joint declarations are issued, including the recognition of Buddhamonthon as the Centre of World Buddhism. The International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) has served as the organizing body for these events and has contributed substantially to the establishment of the International Association of Buddhist universities (IABU). The global significance of the ICDV has been formally recognized through the granting of consultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).