LUMBINI: The 17th World Peace Forum has unanimously adopted the Lumbini World Peace Declaration 2026, calling for stronger preventive diplomacy, climate resilience, ethical use of technology, peace education, and community-led initiatives to address growing global challenges.
The declaration was adopted in Lumbini on Wednesday, following the forum held under the theme “Reimagining Peace in the 21st Century.” The gathering brought together government representatives, diplomats, global leaders, scholars, spiritual leaders, civil society representatives, private-sector stakeholders, environmental advocates, and youth changemakers.
The declaration noted that the 17th World Peace Forum marked the first time the global gathering was held in South Asia. It highlighted escalating geopolitical tensions, nuclear and cyber threats, socioeconomic disparities, the digital divide, and the growing impacts of climate change as major challenges to global peace and stability.
Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of Lord Buddha, including compassion, non-violence, interdependence, and harmonious coexistence, the participants outlined four major areas for global action.
Under the first pillar, “Reimagining Multilateralism and Preventive Diplomacy,” the declaration called on governments and international institutions to move beyond traditional militarized approaches to security and prioritize human security, dialogue, cooperation, and conflict prevention. It also emphasized the meaningful participation of women and young people in peacebuilding and decision-making.
The second pillar, “Fostering Eco-Peace and Climate Resilience,” recognized environmental degradation and resource scarcity as factors that can contribute to conflict and displacement. The declaration called for greater ecological stewardship, green regeneration, protection of vulnerable watersheds, climate adaptation, and cross-border environmental cooperation.
Under “Harnessing Education, Innovation, and Technology for Harmony,” the forum called for ethical safeguards in the development and use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. It also urged the integration of peace, empathy, global citizenship, and critical thinking into educational curricula.
The fourth pillar, “Cultivating Community Resilience and Cultural Diplomacy,” highlighted the role of heritage preservation, meaningful tourism, and cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding among nations. It also called for greater support for community-led initiatives aimed at strengthening local resilience, promoting economic justice, and advancing human dignity.
The declaration called on governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to translate the principles of the Lumbini declaration into concrete policies and everyday actions.
The participants pledged to carry the message of peace from Lumbini across borders and turn dialogue and shared commitments into practical action.
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