PM Oli Calls for Global Peace, Warns of WMD Threat on Buddha Jayanti

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, speaking at the 2569th Buddha Jayanti celebration in Lumbini on Monday, warned that the ongoing production and stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction poses a serious threat to humanity and the planet.

He stressed the urgent need for global peace thus: The continued making and collecting of these deadly weapons is very dangerous for people and the Earth. We must all stand for peace and work to eliminate such weapons. 

PM Oli emphasized that Buddha’s teachings are still important today in every walk of life. He urged people from all Buddhist traditions — Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana — to follow the core values of Buddhism: peace, compassion and kindness.

He also thanked neighboring countries India and Pakistan for showing restraint during recent tensions. “There were some clashes, but they did not escalate. We thank them for staying calm,” he said, adding that Nepal had also urged both countries to maintain peace.

The Prime Minister also promised to continue developing Lumbini, the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. He said Lumbini Buddhist University would play a key role in researching and spreading Buddhist teachings. “The university will focus on discovering, studying and promoting Buddhism. I believe it will contribute greatly to the world.”