Lumbini: The Third International Buddhist Conference is set to take place in Lumbini on the upcoming Baisakh Purnima. The council meeting of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) convened today and decided to organize the international Buddhist conference to coincide with the full moon of Baisakh. LDT Member Secretary Deepak Shrestha announced the decision to hold the conference on April 29 and 30, aiming to promote Lumbini in the international community, elevate its global profile, and boost tourist arrivals.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the meeting was chaired by Anil Kumar Sinha, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust. It resulted in the formation of the main organizing committee for the conference. A 10-member main ceremony committee has also been established, with Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chhimechiring), Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, as the coordinator. The government has allocated a budget of 30 million rupees for the conference in the current fiscal year. Originally scheduled for November, the conference was postponed due to political and structural changes in the country. Now, it will be held on April 29 and 30, coinciding with the 2,570th Buddha Jayanti.
Dr. Lama, the convener of the main organizing committee, highlighted that the conference aims to propagate world peace through Buddhism and philosophy, while promoting the spirit of kindness, compassion, and global brotherhood. He expressed confidence that Buddhist scholars, gurus, distinguished guests, and notable figures from over 60 countries would participate. The two-day conference will feature discussions and presentations on topics such as Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha; Kapilbastu and the heritage of areas related to Buddha; the environmental condition of the Lumbini area; world Buddhist heritage; and Buddhist education and culture. The Lumbini Development Trust noted that the first and second international Buddhist conferences significantly contributed to Nepal’s religious, cultural, and tourism sectors.