In the sacred birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama—after the long-lost Lumbini got inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in 1997—a series of international events have been taking place over the past one-and-half decade. The first international Buddhist conference entitled “Lumbini in the New Millenium” was organized by the government of Nepal in 2001. Then the World Buddhist Summit was organized in 2004, by the government and Lumbini Development Trust under the theme of “Lumbini: a Symbol of Unity in Diversity – the Fountain of World Peace. The second International Buddhist Conference on Promotion, Protection & Preservation of Buddhist Culture & Heritage in the historical garden of Lumbini was organized from 15th to 18th November 2014 jointly by the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy of Myanmar and the Teravada Buddhist Academy ‘Vishwa Shanti Vihar’ of Lumbini Buddhist University of Nepal.
With its universal appeal and timeless value no other venue may stand for such events compared to the sacred garden of Lumbini. It is the heart not only of all the Buddhists but also of every peace lover across the world. And such events enhance the image of the sacred garden and the glorious heritage of Nepal, the fountain of peace—the glory of mankind and the world’s top class pilgrimage site.
Venerable monks and respectable nuns from over 32 countries across the world were the lime lights of the event. Besides, its participants included professors, educationist, cultural experts, UNESCO-affiliated archaeologists, UNEP-affiliated climate experts, research scientists, dignitaries, officials of governmental and international non-governmental organization, educational institutions, Buddhist scholars, Buddhist organizations and communities. The occasion, among others, provided a golden opportunity for many enthusiastic participants to listen to and interact with the educational, intellectual and spiritual Gurus. The event ran through a series of intellectual sessions on Buddhist Heritage, Buddhist Culture, Buddhist Educational System, and environmental conservation & sustainable development of Lumbini.