Standing in the sacred grounds of Lumbini, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday delivered a heartfelt message, urging the world to take inspiration from the teachings of Lord Buddha and make a commitment to peace and compassion, as crises mount.
“It is an honor to be here in Lumbini – a site of spirituality, serenity, and peace,” Mr. Guterres began.
“I am deeply moved to have been invited to pay tribute to Lord Buddha.”
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini in southern Nepal, is known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It holds immense spiritual significance and draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.
Reflect on Buddha’s message
Mr. Guterres urged everyone to reflect on the core teachings of Buddhism and their relevance in today’s troubled world.
He highlighted conflicts in regions from the Middle East to Ukraine, and the Sahel to Sudan, the undermining of global rules and institutions, and the devastating impact of these conflicts on ordinary people – especially women and children.
The Secretary-General also expressed concern over the record number of people driven from their homes by violence, conflict, and persecution, as well as the persistent challenges of poverty and inequality, and worsening impacts of the climate crises.
A clear choice
The UN chief’s message was clear, “humanity has a choice. The path to peace is ours to take. It is not always an easy one, but guided by Lord Buddha’s timeless example, I believe it is a vision we can make real through action.”
He outlined action that can lead the way, protecting human rights and dignity, building trust and understanding, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and addressing the climate crisis by urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring biodiversity.
Mr. Guterres emphasized the Buddhist message of compassion, non-violence, and interdependence as an inspiration for all and source of unity.
“Peace is more than a noble vision; it is a rallying cry. From these sacred gardens, I call on the world to act now for peace,” Guterres concluded.
UN Nepal/Narendra Shrestha
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the joint session of the Nepalese Parliament in Kathmandu.
Address to the Parliament
On an official visit to Nepal at the invitation of the Government, the Secretary-General on Tuesday also addressed a joint session of the Nepalese Parliament, where he noted progress made by the country, having endured a decade-long internal armed conflict.
“You are preparing the final stages of your Nepalese-led peace process – healing the wounds of war through transitional justice,” he said.
“We know that transitional justice has the greatest chance of success when it is inclusive, comprehensive, and has victims at its heart,” he added, noting that UN stands ready to support the victim-centred process and its implementation in line with international standards and Supreme Court’s rulings.
In his address, the UN chief also recognized Nepal’s contributions to UN peacekeeping operations globally, climate change challenges, multilateralism and technology and digital inclusion.
Watch the full address by the Secretary-General below
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As a longtime advocate for peace and compassion, I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Guterres. It is vital that we heed Buddha’s teachings and prioritize harmony in a world plagued by crises. Only through unity and understanding can we hope to overcome the challenges we face today.
Do you think the world will truly take heed of the UN Chief’s call for peace and compassion after witnessing so many ongoing crises?
Yes, Emily88, I believe that the world must listen to the UN Chief’s plea for peace and compassion. In times of turmoil and conflict, it is crucial for us to come together and embody the teachings of unity and understanding. Let us all strive to make the world a better place by creating a ripple effect of kindness and empathy towards one another.
Why is it important for world leaders to come together for peace in such sacred places like Lumbini? How can we ensure that the teachings of Lord Buddha are integrated into global decision-making?
It is crucial for world leaders to gather in sacred places like Lumbini to foster unity and promote peace. By embracing the teachings of Lord Buddha, we can strive towards compassionate and inclusive global decision-making.
Do you think the world will truly step up and prioritize peace and compassion as urged by Mr. Guterres at Lumbini?
Yes, I believe that when influential figures like Mr. Guterres emphasize the importance of peace and compassion from such a revered place as Lumbini, it sparks a collective consciousness that can inspire positive change on a global scale. It is up to each of us to heed this call and contribute to a more harmonious world.
Do you think the world is truly ready to commit to peace and compassion as urged by Mr. Guterres in Lumbini?
Do you think global leaders will heed the UN Chief’s call for peace on holy grounds in Nepal?
As a firm believer in the power of compassion and peace, I wholeheartedly support the UN Secretary-General’s call for global unity and reflection on the teachings of Lord Buddha. It is time for us to step up and prioritize peace in the face of mounting crises around the world.
Do you think world leaders will take concrete actions to prioritize peace after this call from the UN Chief?
Do you think the world is truly ready to make a commitment to peace and compassion as urged by Mr. Guterres in this sacred place? What steps do you believe need to be taken to achieve this global goal?
“I agree with Mr. Guterres’ powerful message at Lumbini. It’s time for the world to prioritize peace and compassion, following the teachings of Lord Buddha. We must unite to address the crises and conflicts plaguing our society. Let’s strive for a more harmonious world.”