Lumbini is shared heritage of the world: Minister Paudel

Rupandehi, Sept 18: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel, has emphasized the need of cooperation of all for the conservation and development of Lumbini as it is common spiritual and cultural heritage in the world.

Addressing the inauguration of ‘International Conference on Greater Lumbini Area, 2026’ began in Lumbini from today, Minister Paudel mentioned that the government was committed for overall development of greater Lumbini area.

Significant opportunities have been received to translate the conservation and development of Lumbini’s heritages into a practical action through greater Lumbini area development initiatives with partnership of the World Bank in the three-day conference organised under the theme ‘Heritages, Pilgrimages and Development: Promotion of Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’, he argued. 

Minister Paudel argued that matters related to heritage sensitive planning, quality services to pilgrims and guests, improved connectivity, environmental sustainability, opportunity of welfare, employment of local communities and youths and generating economic opportunities should be prioritized.

“While developing Lumbini, its heritage value should be respected”, he underlined, adding recommendations of UNESCO, World Heritage Committee and concerned technical experts should be taken as guidelines for this purpose.

Also the Chairperson of Lumbini Development Trust, Minister Paudel opined that there would be significant institutional role in development, management, conservation and promotion of Lumbini.

He stressed the need of keeping Buddhist community and local people’s aspiration in the centre of development.

An environment must be created where pilgrims find a respectful atmosphere for prayers, meditation, study and Buddhist practices as well as to get benefits for local communities through meaningful participation in employment, livelihood, entrepreneurship and development, shared the Minister.

The Tourism Minister pointed out the need of presenting Lumbini as the place of experiencing Buddhist teachings, practicing peace and compassion as well as pursue mediation, spiritual and holistic well-being before the world, not merely as the touristic destination.

He expressed the belief that the conference would help build shared understanding between the government of Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust, UNESCO, World Bank, Buddhist Community, local community, experts and development partners.

The inaugural ceremony was joined by Lumbini Province Assembly member CK  Gupta, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture,  Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mukunda Prasad Niraula; Lumbini Development Trust officiating Member Secretary  Gyanin Rai, Lumbini Sanskritik municipality’s acting mayor Kalapana Harijan, UNESCO representative to Nepal, Jaco du Toit, and World Bank’s representative expressed their views that the Conference would contribute to the promotion of sustainable tourism and heritages’ conservation of greater Lumbini.

UNESCO Chief for Culture Sector/ National Programme Officer Nabha Basnyat Thapa   said the Conference is being attended by mayors/ chairs of local levels, government officials, Buddhist leaders and community representatives, culture experts, tourism experts, archaeologists, development partners and national/international experts.

 Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Authority, the Lumbini Development Trust, UNESCO and World Bank are the co-organisers of the Conference.

Lumbini comprising various historic sites including the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Tilaurakot, Devdaha, Ramgram and Punditpur was incorporated in the UNESCO list in 1997.

The event relating to the initiatives for Greater Lumbini Area Development will conclude on September 20.