World Peace Program Begins in Lumbini with Prayers for Global Peace

Lumbini — A three‑day “World Peace Program” began in Lumbini from Thursday, with prayers for global peace. The event is being held at the International Buddhist Conference Hall and was inaugurated by acting Mayor Kalpana Harijan of Lumbini Cultural Municipality and Nikesh Adhikari, chair of the organizer The Promised Land foundation.

Acting Mayor Harijan said efforts will be made to introduce Buddhist education in ten local community schools. She emphasized that although many municipalities exist globally, there is only one birthplace of Buddha, making programs like this important for world peace and prosperity.

On the first day, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Tamrat Layne and Sudhansu Dahal held a dialogue on spiritual transformation, leadership, global peace, and community empowerment. Tamrat commented, “We have come from different countries, and our common desire is peace.”

LP Bhanu Sharma from the Life Sciences Institute highlighted Nepal’s 19,000‑year‑old spiritual history and gave a presentation on meditation.

Actor Rajesh Hamal and Treasure Carbon Group CEO Susan Jhulie delivered keynote speeches. Hamal noted that while Nepalis may feel discouraged, they have great strength in their ability to smile and speak, and stressed the need for collective work toward peace.

Program speaker Sagar Bhante pointed out that there are two Lumbinis — the spiritual and the developmental — and emphasized the need to work for improvement beyond the development fund. He added that global Buddhist investors are interested in investing, and with coordination with local bodies, work can proceed according to law.

The event, which runs through Saturday, includes 25 billionaires from various countries, along with leaders, scholars, UN cultural ambassadors, business figures, artists, youth, and community representatives. Topics over the three days include peace, climate change, development, internal well‑being, and social justice.

Shekhar Gautam, program coordinator, said the event will also highlight issues related to youth, women, indigenous communities, and marginalized voices within local governance. Cultural exhibitions, music, and artistic performances are also part of the schedule.