In the third week of March, Lumbini hosted a significant peace conclave, welcoming ambassadors, foreign ministry officials, experts, and honorary consuls from around the world. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Honorary Consular Corps-Nepal (HCC-N), the event aimed to highlight the essential role of peace in achieving prosperity, both domestically and internationally.
The two-day event, titled “Global Peace for Prosperity,” was held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The location underscored the event’s message of peace, compassion, and love for all beings. Organizers emphasized Nepal’s commitment to advocating for peace, believing that a sustainable and secure future can only be achieved through peaceful conflict resolution and enhanced international understanding.
Nepal’s foreign policy focuses on safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence while promoting economic well-being and prosperity. This event contributed to global peace, harmony, and security, aligning with these objectives.
Since its establishment in 2007, HCC-N has actively worked to strengthen diplomatic relations, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation between Nepal and the countries it represents. HCC-N, representing 63 countries from five continents, plays a crucial role in fostering shared prosperity. It serves as an essential arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enhancing economic diplomacy and seizing emerging opportunities in Nepal.
Gajendra Bahadur Shrestha, Founder Dean of HCC-N and former Honorary Consul General of Sweden, highlighted the proactive role of HCC-N members in linking sending and receiving states, developing business networks, and promoting trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. HCC-N members are pivotal in fostering people-to-people relations, building mutual trust, goodwill, understanding, and cooperation between nations.
Manish Thapa, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica, noted Nepal’s appeal as an investment destination. He emphasized that the Nepali private sector is a hub of collaboration and innovation, with thriving industries in tourism, hospitality, technology, and manufacturing. Nepali entrepreneurs are driving economic growth, embracing international partnerships, and crafting a compelling success story.
The conclave featured an art exhibition by Ujay Bajracharya, a presentation by Sumnima Udas, founder and executive director of the Lumbini Museum Initiative, on leveraging Lumbini’s “Soft Power,” and a presentation by Prof. Naresh Shakya on Buddhist art's influence on Nepalese art. Additionally, Ramesh Adhikari discussed investment opportunities, and Santosh Panta, director of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted tourism opportunities in Nepal. Prof. Basant Bidari provided a briefing on important sites in Lumbini, and there was a presentation on the five precepts by venerable Bhikshhu.
Residential envoys from Greece, Mauritius, Indonesia, Mongolia, Serbia, Austria, Bulgaria, and Estonia, along with non-residential ambassadors from the Czech Republic, Tanzania, Slovenia, Cyprus, Ireland, Spain, Latvia, Costa Rica, Poland, the Dominican Republic, and Romania, attended the conclave.
International participants were also briefed on the Lumbini Development Master Plan, as well as ongoing excavation and research at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
