Lumbini: A two-day international seminar titled ‘Diplomacy and Buddha’s Teaching: A Path to Global Peace and Sustainable Development’ concluded today, issuing a 15-point declaration aimed at transforming Lumbini into a major centre for peace research. The event was organized by the Lumbini Buddhist University in collaboration with the South Asia Foundation and the Indian Embassy in Nepal. It saw participation from diplomats of Nepal and India, as well as academicians from the university.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the seminar emphasized the establishment of Lumbini as a hub for peace research and the expansion of peace and diplomacy rooted in Buddhist philosophies. Participants advocated for a diplomacy centre dedicated to dialogue and resolution in crisis-prone and sensitive regions worldwide.
The declaration proposed conducting ‘mindfulness’ based training for diplomats and implementing environmental peace programs inspired by Buddha’s teachings on compassion and interdependence with nature. There was a call for developing a globally recognized Buddhist ethical framework for diplomacy that aligns with Buddhist values.
Additionally, the seminar underscored the importance of promoting integrated peace tourism at Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and India to foster mutual understanding and cultural harmony. It suggested establishing an international Buddhist Peace Organization focusing on youth, Buddhist philosophy, peace education, and sustainable development.
There was also a push for developing an ethical artificial intelligence system guided by Buddhist philosophies to predict conflicts, detect misinformation, and support meditation. The seminar advised the creation of a Lumbini Peace Index, modeled after the Global Peace Index, to evaluate peace based on Buddhist values.
A Buddhist Monks Think Tank is set to be formed in collaboration with the Lumbini Buddhist University and government agencies to offer philosophical and moral guidance during global crises. The declaration also included plans to annually organize a Lumbini International Diplomat Retreat and to promote the research and application of Buddhist legal philosophies in international law and conflict resolution.
Further plans were announced to develop Lumbini as a centre for peace research in partnership with the South Asian Peace Research and Sustainable Development Centre. The decision was made to establish Lumbini Buddhist University as a hub of excellence in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and sustainable development by collaborating with various national and international diplomatic and educational institutions.
The seminar featured deliberations from 58 scholars on topics such as Buddhist education and world politics, compassion in conflict resolution, and sustainable development based on Buddhist principles. Eminent diplomats, including former ambassador Prof Dr. Lokraj Baral and former Indian Ambassador Dr. Amarendra Khatua, shared their insights, while university officials and researchers presented working papers.