Lumbini, December 11
A three-day World Peace Program began on Thursday at the Lumbini International Conference Hall in Lumbini. Acting Mayor of Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality, Kalpana Harijan, and Nikesh Adhikari, chairperson of the organising body The Promise Land, jointly inaugurated the event.
Acting Mayor Harijan said efforts would be made to introduce Buddhist education in the 10 community schools of the area.
“There are many municipalities in the world, but there is only one birthplace of the Buddha. Programs like this are important for global peace and prosperity,” she said during the inaugural program.
On the first day, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Tamrat Layne engaged in a conversation with Sudhamshu Dahal on spiritual transformation, leadership, lessons on world peace, and community empowerment.
“We have come from different countries, but our common desire is peace,” Tamrat said.
LP Bhanu Sharma of the Jeevan Vigyan delivered a presentation on meditation, highlighting that Nepal has a 10,000-year-old spiritual history.
Similarly, actor Rajesh Hamal and Susan Zhu, CEO of Treasure Carbon Group, delivered keynote speeches.
Hamal said that although Nepalis often feel discouraged, they possess a great wealth, the ability to smile when they speak.
“The conflicts in my films last only for a few moments, but in society, conflict persists,” he said. “We all must work for peace.”
At the event, Sagar Bhante stated that there are “two Lumbinis within Lumbini” and emphasised the need to now work for the upliftment of residents living outside the Lumbini Development Trust area.
“Wealthy Buddhists from around the world are willing to invest. Work can be done in coordination with local bodies and according to the law,” he said.
The program, which runs until Saturday, has drawn 25 billionaires from various countries. Leaders and scholars from Nepal and abroad, cultural ambassadors from the United Nations, internationally recognised business figures, artists, youth, and community representatives are also participating.
Over the three days, the program will host discussions on peace, climate change, development, inner well-being, and social justice. Program coordinator Shekhar Gautam said the event would also highlight youth, women, Indigenous communities, and marginalised voices focused on local governance.
The event will also include cultural exhibitions, music, and artistic performances.
