KATHMANDU: A two-day international conclave on peace and prosperity is going to be held in Lumbini, beginning this Thursday.

Organized jointly under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN), the conclave is entitled “Global Peace for Prosperity”.

The event will be attended by 18 non-residential ambassadors to Nepal, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), dozens of Honorary Consuls and Honorary Consul Generals to Nepal, officials of Lumbini Development Trust, Buddhist heritage and foreign affairs experts, among others.

Presentations and discussions on Lumbini’s soft power, cultural heritage, investment opportunities in Nepal, and tourism potential of Lumbini are major highlights of the event. A joint peace message will be issued at the end of the conclave.

The event to be held from March 21 and 22 will be participated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang, along with senior officials from Investment Board Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board.

The event is expected to emphasize the importance of peace for regional as well as global prosperity and stability.

Additionally, the event is expected to highlight Nepal’s tourism potential, investment opportunities, and the development of understanding among nations through cultural exchange and dialogue.

During the conference, the participants will engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches to promote peace and prosperity at local, national, and international levels.

“The peace conclave is being organized at a time when wars and conflicts have become more intense than before in different parts of the world. This assemblage of diplomats, experts of world affairs, and government officials, therefore, carries important meaning,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Shrestha said in his message to the Conclave.

Nepal can and should harness the full potential of this sacred space that helps connect Nepal to the world. For almost a billion Buddhists, Lumbini holds a singular status as the most important cultural, historical, and spiritual site,” according to HCCN statement.

It may be recalled that amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Ukraine, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Lumbini in October 2023 and said the following: “In these troubled times, my message to the world from Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha is simple: Humanity has a choice. The path to peace is ours to take. Act now for peace.”

The conclave is supported by Nepal Tourism Board, Investment Board Nepal, and Lumbini Development Trust.