LUMBINI: Speaking from the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini in Nepal, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, made a passionate appeal to end the ongoing conflicts across the globe.
Guterres emphasized, “I call from Lumbini to put an end to the conflicts raging across the world.”
“Peace and humanity are non-negotiable imperatives. We cannot allow humanity to perish. The message of Buddha, the principles of Panchsheel, and the mission of the United Nations are profoundly aligned,” he said.
“Let us draw inspiration from this fountain of peace; let us come together and visit Lumbini,” Guterres asserted.
Expressing his joy at being in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, he also expressed his deep concerns about the far-reaching consequences of climate change, while urging for an immediate resolution to conflicts in regions such as Israel, Palestine, and Sudan.
It is anticipated that the Secretary General’s visit to Lumbini will amplify the message of peace from Lumbini and Gautam Buddha worldwide, subsequently bolstering tourism in the Lumbini region.
Upon his arrival at the Gautam Buddha International Airport on Tuesday morning, Guterres inaugurated the lighting ceremony at Shantideep.
Guterres also visited the Mayadevi Temple, embarking on a symbolic walk from Shanti Deep to the temple grounds.
He also partook in a tree-planting initiative within the premises.
The Lumbini Development Fund hosted a special reception in honor of Secretary-General Guterres.
Secretary General Guterres also marked his presence by signing the visitor’s book.
During his first visit to Buddha’s birthplace, he was accompanied by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati; among others.
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