聯合國祕書長潘基文年衛塞節致辭
Message on the Day of Vesak
衛塞節致辭
20 May 2016
2016年5月20日
At this time of mass population movements, violent conflicts, atrocious human rights abuses and hateful rhetoric aimed at dividing communities, the sacred commemoration of the Day of Vesak offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on how the teachings of Buddhism can help the international community tackle pressing challenges.
面對當前存在的大規模人口流動、暴力衝突、殘暴的侵犯人權行爲和旨在分裂社羣的仇恨言論，紀念神聖的衛塞節提供了一個寶貴的契機，我們可以藉此思考佛教教義如何能夠有助於國際社會處理各種緊迫挑戰。
The fundamental equality of all people, the imperative to seek justice, and the interdependence of life and the environment are more than abstract concepts for scholars to debate; they are living guidelines for Buddhists and others navigating the path to a better future.
人人平等的基本理念、尋求正義的必要性以及生命與環境的相互依存關係，不只是學者辯論的抽象概念，也是佛教徒和其他人在走向更加美好未來的道路上所踐行的準則。
One Sutra tells the story of Srimala, a woman who pledged to help all those suffering from injustice, illness, poverty or disaster. This spirit of solidarity can animate our global efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, carry out the Paris Agreement on climate change, and promote human rights while advancing human dignity worldwide.
佛經中講述了一個名叫勝鬘的婦女立誓幫助所有遭受不公、疾病、貧窮或災難的人的故事。這種團結精神可以激勵我們在全球努力實現《2030年可持續發展議程》，執行關於氣候變化的《巴黎協定》，促進人權，增進人類尊嚴。
The actions of Srimala also illustrate the primary role that women can play in advocating for peace, justice and human rights. Gender equality and the empowerment of women remain urgent priorities that will drive progress across the international agenda.
勝鬘的作爲也表明，婦女可以在倡導和平、正義和人權方面發揮主要作用。性別平等和婦女賦權依然是緊迫的優先事項，將推動整個國際議程取得進展。
In just a few days, the United Nations will convene the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, where leaders will join activists and other partners to address the needs of millions of vulnerable people in crisis. Buddhists and individuals of all faiths who are concerned about the future of humanity can help advance the Summit’s aims to uphold humanitarian law, protect civilians in conflict, and improve the global response to emergencies.
再過幾個星期，聯合國將召開有史以來第一次世界人道主義問題首腦會議，世界各國領導人屆時將與活躍人士和其他夥伴合作一道，解決身處危機之中的數百萬弱勢民衆的需求。關心人類未來的佛教徒和所有信仰的信奉者都可以協助推動實現這次首腦會議在維護人道主義法、保護衝突中的平民和改善全球緊急情況應對工作方面的目標。
On this Day of Vesak, let us pledge to reach out to bridge differences, foster a sense of belonging, and show compassion on a global scale for the sake of our common future.
值此衛塞節之際，讓我們承諾爲我們的共同未來着想，在全球範圍內主動彌合分歧，增強歸屬感，展現悲憫之心。
