LUMBINI: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has said that the government is currently engaged in concluding the remaining task of the peace process — the Transitional Justice (TJ) system.
“Our ultimate aim is to ensure lasting peace and harmony in the country,” Prime Minister Dahal said at a program in Lumbini in the presence of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha on Tuesday.
“This objective will continue guiding our all efforts towards completing this task. We count on international community’s goodwill and understanding in this regard,” PM Dahal said.
Stating that Nepali people have demonstrated exemplary resilience in pursuit of peace, PM Dahal said, “The home-grown, nationally owned and led peace process has successfully transitioned the country to a state of stability and peace.”
“We believe that our peace process could be a good example for countries and societies facing similar situations,” he stated adding, “We will be more than happy to contribute to building a global knowledgebase of conflict management by sharing our experiences of uniquely successful peace process.”
He added that Nepal has learnt that peace founded on inclusion, empowerment, economic prosperity, and justice stands a better chance to last longer.
Peace, harmony and compassion are the innate attributes that we have inherited from Buddha, the apostle of peace and the enlightened son of Nepal, he stated.
“Unity in diversity is our strength and harmony and co-existence make essential ingredients of our culture. We believe in “Vawatu Sarba Mangalam (May all be blessed with auspicious) and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is a family),” he noted.
Stating that the land where “we are standing now-the Birthplace of Lord Buddha”, is not merely a sacred place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, but a center of peace and harmony that continues to inspire and guide humanity at large on the basis of eternal and enlightened teachings of Buddha.
Prime Minister Dahal said that UN Secretary-General’s visit to Lumbini bears a special significance.
“It represents your thoughtful step in consolidating the symbiotic relationship that exists between the core values of peace, harmony and understanding that this sacred place stands for and the Charter of the United Nations that seeks to protect and promote the same values globally,” PM Dahal said.
The Prime Minister further stated that the United Nations has long been associated with the development of Lumbini.
It started with the UNDP- commissioned master plan by a Japanese architect Kenzo Tange in 1972.
Since then, the UN has been playing an important role in developing Lumbini into a major center of pilgrimage and tourism, promoting peace and harmony.
In 1997, the United Nations declared Lumbini a World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and cultural significance on the global stage.
“From Lumbini you will bring the message of peace, harmony and understanding to the international community. Your commitment to promote the values propounded by Buddha will be deeply admired,” PM Dahal said.
He also admired visiting UN Secretary-General’s commitment to draw global attention to the impact of climate change in the life of people living in the mountain areas.
“During your visit to Khumbu region yesterday and to the Annapurna basecamp this morning you have got the opportunity to closely watch how the climate change has badly affected the life and livelihood of our people,” he added.
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