16 May 2011

GA / VESAK DAY

As millions of people worldwide observe the 2,600 anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to the spiritual leader’s teaching on the need for compassion and solidarity with those less fortunate. UNTV

Posted at: May 16, 2011 11:12 am

Duration: 01:21

Available in: SD

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Full script

STORY: GA / VESAK DAY 
TRT: 1:21
SOURCE: UNTV
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGAUGES: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 16 MAY 2011, UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK CITY / RECENT

SHOTLIST:

RECENT - UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK CITY

1. Wide shot, exterior UN headquarters

16 MAY 2011, UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK CITY

2. Wide shot, General Assembly hall
3. Various shots, monks chanting
4. Med shot, Monk presenting publication to Secretary-General
5. Cutaway, delegates
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations:
"Three years ago, I visited the Buddha's birthplace at Lumbini in Nepal. As I walked through the sacred grounds, I gave silent thanks for his teachings. Buddhism and the United Nations share the goals of peace, dignity and human rights for all people. That is why, more than ten years ago, the General Assembly passed a resolution on recognizing the Day of Vesak around the world."
7. Cutaway, delegates
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations:
"The Buddha's teachings may be twenty-six centuries old, but they are as powerful as ever today. As we celebrate the enlightenment of the Buddha, let us remember, above all, his message of tolerance. Let us respect all religions. And let us work for the well-being of all people."
9. Wide shot, General Assembly hall

STORYLINE:

As millions of people worldwide observe the 2,600 anniversary of Buddha's enlightenment, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to the spiritual leader's teaching on the need for compassion and solidarity with those less fortunate.

Addressing the General Assembly today (16 May), Ban said that "Buddhism and the United Nations share the goals of peace, dignity and human rights for all people" adding that that is why, more than ten years ago, the General Assembly passed a resolution on recognizing Vesak Day.

The Secretary-General said that Buddha's teachings "may be twenty-six centuries old, but they are as powerful as ever today." He called on everyone to remember Buddha's message of tolerance and respect for all religions.

Vesak Day is an annual holiday marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.