The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Priyankar Upadhyaya, UNESCO Chair Professor at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and Professor Emeritus at MIT World Peace University, Pune, India, addressing the challenges in peace education, Buddhist ethics and culture of peace in the world today. He highlighted the absence of war in Buddha’s teachings and emphasis on compassion and non-violence. Prof. Upadhyaya emphasized how Buddha’s journey to enlightenment serves as a timeless model of personal transformation and ethical living. He explored Buddhist ethics as a cornerstone for developing research methodologies and fostering a culture of peace in educational programs that promote peace and understanding in a divided world. 

Drawing attention to peace education, he discussed the importance of embedding the principles of interdependence, mindfulness, and reconciliation in curricula to nurture a generation that values coexistence over conflict. Prof. Upadhyaya also shared his encounter with Johan Galtung, the pioneer of peace and conflict studies, at an event, elaborating on Galtung's theories of positive peace and structural violence. He reflected on how these align with Buddha’s teachings, offering practical pathways to addressing modern conflicts by transforming unjust structures and fostering social equity.

In conclusion, Prof. Upadhyaya urged the Centre to adopt a holistic approach by integrating Buddha’s teachings with contemporary peace theories, emphasizing the transformative power of education in building a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Session 1: Exploring Gautam Buddha’s Teachings for Peace Building and Sustainable Development

Moderated by Prof. Basant Bidari, Head, Dept. of Archaeology, LBU, the session highlighted the transformative relevance of Gautam Buddha’s teachings in fostering global peace and sustainability. Chaired by Amb. Jayant Prasad, with Prof. Dilip Kumar Barua as Co-Chair, the discussion explored Buddhist principles of non-violence, compassion, and interdependence as guiding frameworks for sustainable development. 
Amb. Jayant Prasad opened the discussion by emphasizing the historical significance of Buddha’s message as a unifying force across South Asia. He also called for a renewed focus on incorporating Buddhist values into international diplomacy to build a more equitable and compassionate global order. 

Similarly, Prof. Dilip Kumar Barua shared insights on how Buddhist principles of interdependence and non-violence can guide sustainable development policies. Prof. Barua stressed the need for collaborative efforts among South Asian nations to leverage their shared Buddhist heritage in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 
Participants emphasized on mindfulness and ethical living as pathways to global harmony and ecological balance, while panelists shared insights on grassroots peace-building, mental well-being, and community empowerment inspired by Buddha’s philosophy.

 

Panel Discussion 1: Teaching and Researching Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Sustainability

The panel discussion chaired by Prof. Anjoo Sharan Upadhyaya (MIT World Peace University, Pune) with Prof. Manoj Mishra (Malaviya Centre for Peace Research, BHU) and Prof. Robaet Ferdous (University of Dhaka) as speakers, emphasized the importance of integrating Buddhist principles into academic and research frameworks for addressing contemporary challenges in conflict management, peacebuilding, and sustainability.

Prof. Anjoo Sharan Upadhyaya set the tone by highlighting the relevance of Buddhist teachings in creating holistic approaches to conflict resolution and sustainable practices. She stressed the need for academic institutions to adopt interdisciplinary methodologies that draw from ancient wisdom and modern knowledge.
Prof. Manoj Kumar Mishra discussed how the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and compassion can serve as foundational tools for managing conflicts at both interpersonal and societal levels.
Prof. Robaet Ferdous brought a South Asian perspective, emphasizing the shared Buddhist heritage across the region as a unifying framework for peacebuilding. 

Panel Discussion 2: Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Diplomacy: Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings in Today’s World. A parallel panel discussion was conducted alongside.

Moderated by Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya (Dean, FBS-LBU), the panel featured Amb. Pankaj Saran and Amb. Ranjit Rae, who highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings in modern diplomacy. Amb. Saran emphasized the role of compassion and mutual respect in fostering trust and resolving geopolitical conflicts, while Amb. Rae advocated for applying the Middle Path to find balanced, inclusive solutions in negotiations. The discussion underscored how principles like mindfulness, non-violence, and understanding could inspire diplomatic frameworks to address global challenges and promote lasting peace.

Parallel Session

Contributors such as Dr. Hansraj (Siddharthanagar, India), Mr. Shaktidhar Yadav, Faculty Member, LBU, Mr. Sanjay Shakya, Faculty Member, LBU, Mr. Gajendra Gupta, Faculty Member, LBU, Mr. Acharya Dayanidhi others presented papers on diverse themes, contributing significantly to the seminar’s academic depth.

Concluding session

​

The seminar concluded on a high note with the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to all participants, guests, panelists, and paper presenters, in recognition of their invaluable contributions. A declaration encapsulating the seminar's key outcomes and resolutions was eloquently delivered by Amb. Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Ambassador of India to Nepal, marking the first academic programme and highlighted the Centre’s vision and mission as:

 

• To advance dedicated studies on Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development,

• To conduct in-depth Peace Research, exploring the contemporary relevance of Buddha’s teachings,

• To offer comprehensive Academic Programs in conflict management, peacebuilding, and entrepreneurship,

• To facilitate inclusive learning through regular online and offline classes and interactive workshops.

• To set up a Chair on Peacebuilding and Social Development.

The formal closing of the event was officiated by Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Rajendra Ghimire, Director of International Relations, LBU.