We have gathered here with the task of seeking common ground and fostering harmony across ASEAN… In the coming year Laos will be the Chair of ASEAN, and we hope that we can pursue this agenda so that the nations of ASEAN may live in tolerance, prosperity, and peace.

~ Venerable Dr. Vanh Keobundit, Head of Domestic and International Relations, Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Lao PDR

Remarks by Venerable Dr. Vanh Keobundit

After receiving the official ASEAN IIDC banner at a ceremony in Jakarta on 7 August 2023, Venerable Dr. Vanh Keobundit — representing ASEAN 2024 Chair Laos — delivered brief remarks:

Venerable guests, esteemed religious leaders, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Today is an auspicious day for us. We have gathered here with the task of seeking common ground and fostering harmony across ASEAN. As a member of the Hmong community in the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, I represent a very small organization, but Buddhism is the largest religion in Laos.

It is an honor and a privilege to be able to address you at the closing of the ASEAN IIDC and to receive the flag of this Conference. In the coming year Laos will be the Chair of ASEAN, and we hope that we can pursue this agenda so that the nations of ASEAN may live in tolerance, prosperity, and peace.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the ASEAN IIDC organizing committee and our excellent hosts for receiving us. We hope that we can come together, work, share ideas, and live in harmony. Thank you very much.

Bhikkhus praying inside the 18th-century Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham in Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo credit: Basile Morin