Pursuit of peace, highest aspiration of humanity: PM Dahal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said the pursuit of peace is always the supreme aspiration of humanity. Welcoming United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, today, the Prime Minister said he realised the values of peace and conflict as a key figure of the struggle for change and transformations in the country. Reflecting on the successful operation of the peace process in Nepal, he said," We hope our experiences with the peace process can serve as a good example for those nations and societies facing the similar challenges." As he said, Nepal is presently in the process of concluding the remaining task of transitional justice, a key component of the peace process. Dahal said as the head of the government, he wishes to see the establishment of lasting peace and the goodwill in the nation as the ultimate goals of his life. "The place where we are standing on at the moment holds significance not only as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, a major religious site for Buddhists, but also as a center for peace and goodwill. It continues to be a significant source of inspiration and guidance for truth and intellectual pursuits." "The visit of UN Secretary-General Guterres to Lumbini holds significant value," he announced, adding that it is expected to promote relations based on the coexistence principles outlined in the UN Charter. During the occasion, he also appreciated the UN Secretary-General for his initiatives to visit this historic site of global values. He took time to highlight the UN's long involvement in the development of Lumbini. The master plan for Lumbini was initiated in 1962 by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange with the support from UNDP, he said. "Since then the UN has its vital support in the promotion of peace and goodwill in Lumbini by developing as a major tourist site." It may be noted that in 1997, the UN recognized Lumbini as a world heritage site, acknowledging its historical and cultural significance on the global stage. "Peace, harmony and compassion are our inborn qualities, which we inherit from Buddha, the epitome of peace", said Prime Minister Dahal, adding "Unity in diversity is our strength and goodwill and co-existence are essential elements of our culture." He mentioned that the principles of Panchasheel, the non-alignment approach, the UN charter, international laws and norms and values of global peace are the characteristics of Nepal's foreign policy. Similarly, Dahal praised the commitment of Secretary-General Guterres of drawing global attention towards the impacts of climate change on the lives of people living in the mountainous region following his visit to the Sagarmatha region and the Annapurna Base Camp. "Although we have no contribution to carbon emission, we are experiencing consequences of climate change", the Prime Minister said. Underling the need of the establishment of global peace, he said everyone has the right to live in a peaceful atmosphere and it must be ensured. He utilised the time to echo the need of ending all sorts inequality, injustice, deprivation and poverty to ensure global peace and security.