International Symposium on Diplomacy and Buddha’s Teachings: Path to Global Peace and Sustainable Development

July 27-28, 2025

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The South Asia Centre for Peace Research and Sustainable Development (SACPRSD), established by the South Asia Foundation-Nepal (SAF-Nepal), in collaboration with Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), successfully convened an international symposium in the sacred birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The two-day event explored the intersection of global diplomacy and the timeless relevance of Buddha’s teachings in building peace and promoting sustainable development.

Supported by the Embassy of India in Nepal and the BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation, and held in partnership with Nalanda University and the International Buddhist Confederation, the symposium brought together academicians, diplomats, scholars, dignitaries, monastic leaders, and peace practitioners from leading institutions across South Asia and beyond.

Key Objectives

  • Examine Buddha’s teachings as guiding principles for diplomacy, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
  • Foster dialogue and cooperation among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners for regional and global peace.
  • Strengthen academic collaboration between SACPRSD, LBU, and leading universities in South Asia.
  • Advance ethical diplomacy and sustainable development initiatives inspired by Buddhist philosophy.

Symposium Highlights

Day 1Key Sessions & Speakers

The symposium opened with a keynote address by Prof. Abhaya Kumar Singh, Former Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, setting the tone for profound deliberations on the ethical and diplomatic dimensions of Buddha’s teachings. Distinguished panels featured:

  • Amb. J.S. Mukul, Amb. Skand Ranjan Tayal, and Dr. Amarendra Khatua – reflecting on the role of Buddhist values in contemporary diplomacy.
  • Amb. Ruchi Ghanshyam, Dr. Uddhab Pyakurel, and Prof. Arvind Kumar Singh – discussing compassion and conflict resolution through Buddhist perspectives.

Day 2 Geopolitics & Future Pathways

Sessions focused on the integration of Buddhist ethics into sustainable development and dialogue:

  • Prof. Gopal Sarangi (TERI-SAS), Prof. Bijay Silawal, and Mr. Narayan Upadhyay highlighted Buddhist principles in sustainable development.
  • Prof. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Dr. Sama Haq, Mr. Sujeev Shakya, and Dr. Tanka Karki explored peacebuilding and dialogue in a time of global challenges.

Closing Session:

The two-day deliberations concluded with:

  • The announcement of the Postgraduate Diploma in Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development, a collaborative initiative of SACPRSD and LBU to advance peace research and academic programs.
  • MoU Signing Ceremony with Siddhartha University
  • A renewed commitment to regional collaboration and ethical diplomacy grounded in Buddha’s teachings.
  • Recognition of Gautam Buddha’s message as a moral compass for addressing contemporary global challenges.

Conclusion

The Lumbini symposium provided a vibrant platform for scholars, diplomats, and peace practitioners to engage in meaningful dialogue on the ethical foundations of global diplomacy and sustainable development. It reaffirmed the mission of SAF-Nepal and LBU to promote peacebuilding leadership and to foster regional and global harmony inspired by the timeless wisdom of Gautam Buddha.

The launch of the Postgraduate Diploma in Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development marks a significant milestone for SACPRSD, opening avenues for academic exchange, research, and collaborative action to advance peace and sustainability across South Asia and the world.

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MOU Signing Ceremony with Siddhartha University

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Declaration of the Postgraduate Diploma in Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development

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Tribute to the National Anthems of Nepal and India

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