reconciliation and peacebuilding in south...
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NPC-2019, Lumbini
CONFERENCE REPORT
The International Conference on ‘Religion and Culture in Conflict and Peace RECONCILIATION AND PEACEBUILDING
IN SOUTH ASIA
REPORT PREPARED BY
MUKTI SUVEDI
CONFERENCE DIRECTOR
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I. Introduction
1. Nepal is a successful case story for the peacebuilding in the world. The
successful case stories have to be told and shared to international communities. This sharing brings peace ideology and the international
communities have lots of learning from the successful conflict transformation and peace process. Understanding the needs of sharing
the successful peace process, Lumbini Development Trust in partnership with University of Winchester in UK organized 2 days
international conference on Religion and Culture in Conflict and Peace,
Reconciliation and Peacebuilding in South Asia. “The International Peacebuilding conference explored the contribution that sharing of
peace case stories and education can make in helping national and international communities know and understand the successful case
stories where transition from armed conflict to sustainable peace. Taking place in Lumbini, Nepal from March 26-27, 2019, the
conference brought together leading experts working at the intersection of peace education, religion and peacebuilding. It sought to
both assess the current ‘state of the art’ of peacebuilding and peace education and to explore ways of enhancing the impact and
sustainability of peacebuilding and peace education programming in conflict-affected contexts. Moreover, in the interests of promoting more
integrated strategies to help societies prevent and recover from armed conflict, it sought to re-connect the work of peacebuilders, education
scholars and practitioners not only with ‘mainstream’ approaches to
peacebuilding that have focused on more formal processes of democratization, institution-building, and rule of law promotion, but
also with the emerging Youth, Peace and Security agenda.”
2. With the vision, the conference thematic area for 2019 was Religion and Culture in Conflict and Peace. Understanding of the role of religion
and culture in conflict and peace-building is crucial to building just and harmonious communities and societies across the world. This is
particularly relevant in South Asia today; where religious actors and institutions are playing vital and complex roles in conflict
transformation, civic awareness, state transitional processes and reconciliation initiatives. The International Conference on ‘Religion and
Culture in Conflict and Peace’ offers opportunities for peace-building scholars and practitioners from all over the world to collaborate in
exploring some of the most complex and pressing challenges we face
today. The conference aims to go beyond reporting on ‘religious peace-building activities’, and examine critically the role of religion in conflict
and peace-building, and the contribution of religious leaders and
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organizations to societal harmony. It is hoped that the conference will
propose new avenues for research and practice.
3. The International Conference on ‘Religion and Culture in Conflict and Peace’ offered opportunities for peace-building
scholars, educators, youths and practitioners from 18 different countries to collaborate in exploring some of the most complex
and pressing challenges we face today. The conference brought
together peace-building scholars and practitioners from 18 different countries including Nepal to Lumbini, The birthplace of
Gautam Buddha” which recognize Lumbini as a centre for excellence in exchanging global peace.
4. 150 participants from around the Globe were selected out of them 20
outstanding quality research papers were selected for the conference.
5. The major thematic areas for the papers presentation were on:
• The role of religion in building just and sustainable peace in
South Asian countries
• The role of the UN, governments and CSOs in empowering
women’s leadership in post-conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
• The consequences and implications of the rise of religious
nationalism for peacebuilding.
• The role of Reconciliation in the future of Nepal.
• Buddhist perspectives on the ethics of violence, non-violence and
peace-building
• Just peace vs Liberal Peace? New theoretical insights and
developments in religious peacebuilding
6. Two Key Note speakers from international communities were selected
to share about their effective peace work:
1. Professor Hugh Miall Professor Hugh Miall is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the
University of Kent, and Chair of the Conflict Research Society, the main professional association for peace and conflict researchers in the UK. He has
been Director of the Conflict Analysis Research Centre and Head of the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent and was
formerly Director of the Richardson Institute for Peace and Conflict Research at
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Lancaster University, and a Research Fellow in the European Program at
Chatham House, research director of the Oxford Research Group, and a researcher in energy and environmental issues at the Centre for Earth
Resources Research. He has taught at Essex University and the Open University and has been a visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Conflict
Studies at the University of Utrecht.
2. Steve Killelea Steve Killelea is an accomplished entrepreneur in high technology business
development and at the forefront of philanthropic activities focused on
sustainable development and peace. After successfully building two international software companies, Steve decided to dedicate most of his time
and fortune to sustainable development and peace. In 2007 Steve founded the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), an international think tank dedicated
to building a greater understanding of the interconnection between business, peace and economics with particular emphasis on the economic benefits of
peace. IEP’s ground-breaking research includes the Global Peace Index, the world’s leading measure of peacefulness.
7. Program and the papers covered in the conference
Tuesday 27 March, 2019
Keynote:
Professor Hugh Miall (UK) - Buddhism and Conflict Transformation-
an exploration of key Buddhist texts on peacebuilding
Religious Extremism in Post-Civil
War: The Case of Buddhist Nationalism in Sri Lanka Chas Morrison Research Fellow, University of
Coventry, UK
Peace and Reconciliation in Nepal:
Dilemmas and Opportunities
Shobhakar Budhathoki, President of the Peace and Justice Promotion Centre,
Nepal
The Bodhisattva as Global Citizen:
Thoughts on individual and dialogue-based peacebuilding.
Jamie Cresswell, Director of the
Centre for Applied Buddhism, UK
‘Kumbh’ as an Epitome of Societal
Harmony and Peacebuilding in Indic Civilisation
Dr Bharti Chhibber, Asst. Professor,
University of Delhi, India.
Locating Music in Cultural Diplomacy between India and
Pakistan. Mayank Mishra, PhD Research
Scholar, Centre for South Asian
Presentation of two positions of Slovakia in intercultural and peace
mediation Frantislek Kutlik, President of the
Slovak Institute for Mediation and
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Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Alternative Dispute Resolution, Vice President of the World Mediation
Forum
Blood and Buddhism in Burma: A Conflict of Narratives in
Understanding Burmese Democracy
Jonathan Barry, Research
Assistant, Faculty of Religious Studies, University of Groningen,
Netherlands
Ethnic/Religious animosity: large group
identities and conflicts in South Asia
Salonee Shital PhD Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Rebounding to Roots:
Restorative justice and
community-based reconciliation for Nepal’s transition to peace
Ram Tiwari - Nepal Institute of
Justice
The Right to Pray: The Tensions between
Gender and Faith
Dr. Ivy Dhar, Assistant Professor at the School of Development Studies,
Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD),
India.
Wednesday 27 March, 2019
Keynote: Steve Killelea, Institute for Economics and Peace: The State
of Global Peace
Interrogating the Role of Religion in the Tibetan Struggle of Peace
and Conflict: A Study of Select Narratives
Priyanka Chakraborty, PhD scholar Banaras Hindu University
Ethnic/Religious animosity: large group identities and conflicts in South Asia
Salonee Shital PhD Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Multireligious Networks
Promoting Religious Diversity and Reconciliation: Three Case
Studies of Transnational Peacebuilding in Myanmar
Professor Anna King, University of Winchester, UK
Nepal: The consequences and implications of the rise of religious
nationalism for peace building as specified in thematic areas.
Dr Yogi Simhanath, Gorakshyanath Math,
Nepal
Interfaith Dialogue to Counter
Radicalization: An approach to
Building Peace in Bangladesh Shahla Shahreen and Dr. Saber
Enhancing the Efficacy of Religious
Peacebuilding
Practice: An Evidence-based Framework
for Assessing Dominant Risks in Religious
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Ahmed Chowdhury, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Peacebuilding Dr Mark Owen, University of
Winchester, UK
8. The Opening Ceremony of the Conference The Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust chair the program. The
chief guest invitee were Dr. Hridaya Ratna Bajracharya, VC of Lumbini
Buddhist University, Professor Dr. Govinda Subedi, Senator of Tribhuvan University, Bhikkhu Maitri mahasthavir, Hon. Durga Prasad Upadhay, Fedral
Assembly, Bhikkhu Vivekananda, Ms. Janaki Devi Srivastava, Deputy Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality. The opening ceremony was followed by the
lighting the lamps for peace by Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist Religious Leaders.
9. The session information
Session Title Keynote:
Buddhism and Conflict Transformation- an exploration of key
Buddhist texts on Peacebuilding
Session Presenter Professor Hugh Miall (UK)
Session Summary Paper highlighted on religion as an important aspect that can
promote peace or creating conflict. The paper focuses that conflict is part of the human condition. We must be aware of
the deep roots of conflict, which are psychological and By engaging with these roots, peace can emerge from conflict.
Peace is a way of life, a process: not something that lies in
the future, but something to be engaged in now
Session Title Religious Extremism in Post-Civil War: The Case of Buddhist
Nationalism in Sri Lanka
Session Presenter Chas Morrison
Research Fellow, University of Coventry, UK
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Session Summary The presenter highlighted on how religious organisations and
ideologies play a large role in identity formation and civil conflict: escalation & cessation. The paper highlight that if a
state ppromote a monolithic national identity in a multi-ethnic state enhances there is a creation of social divisions. The
paper is based on Sri Lanka context and have shared how in SL & India, extremist narratives of nationalism and religious
identity have ‘securitised’ religious minorities and portray
them as actual or potential threats to the nation.
The paper also talks about both Buddhism and Hinduism,
traditions that preach nonviolence and Ahimsa, how this have
been co-opted by extremist nationalist ideologies
Session Title Peace and Reconciliation in Nepal: Dilemmas and
Opportunities
Session Presenter Shobhakar Budhathoki, President of the Peace and Justice
Promotion Centre, Nepal
Session Summary The paper share about the Transitional Justice (TJ) Process in
Nepal its challenges, and how can religious organization or interfaith community support.
Session Title The Bodhisattva as Global Citizen: Thoughts on individual
and dialogue-based peacebuilding.
Session Presenter Jamie Cresswell, Director of the Centre for Applied Buddhism,
UK
Session Summary The paper highlighted how Buddhist teachings can be promoted in peacebuilding. There is a need for a global citizen
and Buddhist teachings could be milestones to change
individuals through dialogue in promoting global peace.
Session Title Kumbh’ as an Epitome of Societal Harmony and
Peacebuilding in Indic Civilisation
Session Presenter Dr Bharti Chhibber, Asst. Professor, University of Delhi,
India.
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Session Summary Culture within religion plays an important role in promoting
peacebuilding. This is what highlighted in the paper. Kumb mela one of the largest indian mela that brings millions of
people together. The paper reflects on the spiritual essence of Kumbh in an era of globalisation as an epitome of societal
harmony and peace building. The process of industrialisation and urbanisation may have culminated in development but it
has also resulted in unsustainable growth, consumer culture, mechnisation of human life, stressful living eroding the basis
of humanity. The festival generates temporary employment for over 600,000 workers and significantly boosts the local
transport and tourism industry. The state government of the state hosting the Kumbh Mela also earns huge revenue from
the festival.
Session Title Presentation of two positions of Slovakia in intercultural
and peace mediation
Session Presenter Frantislek Kutlik, President of the Slovak Institute for
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Vice President of the World Mediation Forum
Session Summary The paper highlights the conflict in Solavika and how the
country is promoting itself as a peaceful and mediation state. Slovakia, is trying to get an image of a small, peaceful
country without any major political interests, rich enough to financially handle these activities and to possess a high-class
human potential. Slovakia could become one of the small
countries with big influence in mediation, using the Slovak approach, that is so demanded in the post-soviet countries
and countries of Balkan Peninsula. Possibility to create team of Slovak peace/intercultural mediators, in the lead with a
distinctive personality, internationally accepted by other states. The task of the team would be not only observation
missions, mapping of events in crisis terri- tories, orientation in the problem, but if necessary able to enter operatively into
the disorder and conflict.
Session Title Locating Music in Cultural Diplomacy between India and
Pakistan.
Session Presenter Mayank Mishra, PhD Research Scholar, Centre for South Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University
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Session Summary The paper highlight on the intrastate conflict between India
and Pakistan. The paper recognized music as bonding elements for peace between India and Pakistan. The
researcher highlight that Music can play an important role in Cultural Diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
Session Title Blood and Buddhism in Burma: A Conflict of Narratives in
Understanding Burmese Democracy
Session Presenter Jonathan Barry, Research Assistant, Faculty of Religious Studies, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Session Summary The paper highlights the conflict in Burma. It shows who are the actors of conflict, what happened and root causes of the
conflict in Burma.
Session Title Ethnic/Religious animosity: large group identities and
conflicts in South Asia
Session Presenter Salonee Shital PhD Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Session Summary The paper highlighted on ethinic conflict that is happening in
South Asian nations and how larger communities dominant the minorities in religions and culture which create negative
peace.
Session Title Multireligious Networks Promoting Religious Diversity
and Reconciliation: Three Case Studies of Transnational Peacebuilding in Myanmar
Session Presenter Professor Anna King, University of Winchester, UK
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Session Summary The paper highlights on conflict in Myanmar and recommend
on bringing people together in safe, heterogeneous, female friendly spaces promotes cross-cultural friendships mitigates
intergroup hostility, distrust and hate speech and allows disagreement. The focus on multireligious action enabled
greater understanding not only of different religious cultures but resulted in a deeper ethic of
care, civic awareness and understanding of the social harms and structural violence experienced by others. Offers a
platform for people to affirm their public commitment to the active pursuit of peace supported by an international
organisation and in community with many others. The multireligious ‘liberal’ approach becomes complicit with power
if it ignores extreme forms of violence, exclusion, and suffering, or fails to get to
grips with the underlying problems of the broader conflicts –
conflicts between state and central government, and between, and within, ethnic ‘nationalities’ and religious groups. Can
enable religious leaders to stand together and find a political voice. Structural issues of justice, human rights and long-term
violence were avoided by RfP national leaders and confronted only gradually, selectively and cautiously. However, it is only
by attending carefully to the interpretations of all stakeholders that multireligious peacebuilding can begin to address the
fundamental structural and political issues that give rise to conflict, and which may necessitate a systemic transformation
of relationships in the region’s political, economic and social policies and ethos.
Session Title Ethnic/Religious animosity: large group identities and conflicts in South Asia
Session Presenter Salonee Shital PhD Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Session Summary The paper highlighted on ethinic conflict that is happening in
South Asian nations and how larger communities dominant
the minorities in religions and culture which create negative peace.
10. The participants of the conference concluded the conference with Lumbini Declaration 2019 (See the attached declaration as Annexure 1)
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Pictures of Conference:
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Annex I
International Conference on
Religion and Culture in Conflict
and Peace:
Reconciliation and Peacebuilding
in South Asia, Held on 26-27 March
2019 in Lumbini, Nepal
Anticipated the
LUMBINI DECLARATION 2019
On the 26-27th March 2019, in the sacred birth place of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, the 1st International Conference on Religion and Culture in Conflict and Peace:
Reconciliation and Peacebuilding in South Asia was held. The conference was
A/HRC/37/70
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developed as a partnership between the Lumbini Development Trust,
Government of Nepal, and the University of Winchester’s Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace, UK. Scholars and practitioners from around the world
gathered to consider more effective and innovative ways of peacebuilding, and discussed how religion can play a more positive role in building peace in South
Asia, and around the world.
Over 150 participants from different nations (United kingdom, Australia,
Netherlands, Indonesia, Slovakia, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal) acknowledge Lumbini as the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha and its importance creating
the center of Excellency for peace.
Over the course of the conference participants examined instances of peacebuilding from countries across South Asia including Indonesia, Myanmar,
Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka Tibet, as well as exploring what can be learned from case studies on different continents, such as Uganda,
Slovakia, and Northern Ireland. Topics discussed included interfaith dialogue, the role of religious leaders in peacebuilding, global citizenship, the arts and
cultural diplomacy, conflict analysis, religious nationalism, religious ritual, and the concept of positive peace.
The conference participants recognised that whilst religion has often been co-
opted for oppression and violence, the potential of religion to contribute to
building just and sustainable peace is significant, and there are many examples of effective religious peacebuilding. However, further research into the roles of
religion and culture in peacebuilding theory and practice is vital; in order to better understand the conditions required to ensure that religion acts as a
positive force for peace in situations of violent and structural conflict.
These observations are highly relevant in Nepal; a country in the process of renewal, emerging from a decade of civil war and the catastrophic earthquake
which caused devastation in April 2015, and where religion is integral to all aspects of society and culture.
As a result, the conference participants strongly support the development of a Global Peace Center in Lumbini, which can play an important role in developing
peacebuilding theory and practice, and help support the peacebuilding and reconciliation process as an international center for Interfaith and Peace
dialogue; in Nepal, across South Asia and Globe. The development of Lumbini
as a peace zone makes it a hugely appropriate location, and the participants hope that the government of Nepal feels able to support such an important
initiative.
Participants also recognised the need to support the development of positive peace around the world, and called on all nations to seek peaceful and
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constructive way to resolve division and difference. It is only as a global
community we can respond positively to the huge challenges we face today, such as climate change, social and economic inequality, physical and structural
violence, religious extremism, and endemic corruption.
Religious leaders and communities of all traditions and denominations have a hugely important role to play in this process; and our work at this conference
is intended to help and support peacebuilding in all its forms.
Realizing the great significance of the birthplace of one of the greatest teachers
of humanity and its profound potential to inspire and promote universal brotherhood, compassion, kindness, and empathy for the welfare of all sentient
beings and as an international center for Interfaith and Peace dialogue;
Agree to develop Lumbini as a global peace center where both religious and
secular leaders of the world can unite together to help create a world free from
poverty and strife as embodied the original vision of the United Nations and
the government of Nepal.
Hereby, we unanimously agree to:
1. To promote interfaith dialogue, and bring global community together,
to address rising religious and ethnic violence in South Asia and
beyond to work together to find a peaceful means to address and
resolve conflict.
2. To create an international center for Global Peace Studies in Lumbini.
3. To organize, support and contribute in International Peace Conference of such kind in Lumbini and beyond that will
take place frequently.
Name of Participants
S.
N
Name Institute Email address
1 Mohan Lal Bhandari Lumbini Buddhist
University
2 Bhola Pd. Gupta LDT. [email protected]
3 Diwakar Gautam LDT. [email protected]
4 Leela Shrestha LDT. [email protected]
5 Dharmendra Ku. Pal LDT. [email protected]
6 Nabal Kishor Yadav LDT. [email protected]
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7 Rockey RTTS [email protected]
8 Surendra Muni Shakya LDT. [email protected]
9 Srimati Janaki Devi Srivastav Lumbini cultural
Municipal Mayer
10 Rajesh Gwali LDT. Member
11 Dal Bahadur Panday Armed Police Force,
Base Lumbini
12 Bidur Dhungana Jagadamba Cement LTD [email protected]
13 Mau Rdleloc IEP
14 SI. Laxman Dangi Lumbini Police
15 Dr. Govinda Prasad Thapa MSC [email protected]
16 Phanindra Kumar Pal Metta Gurukul School [email protected]
17 Mahendra Chaudhari Janata Bank mahendra.chaudhari@janatabank.
com.np
18 Bishnu Raj Upreti Nepal Centre for Cont.
Research
19 Yogi Simhanath Gorakhnath Peeth [email protected]
20 Rajendra Senchurey Nepal Peacebulding
Institute
21 Akrana Khatoon [email protected]
22. Luna Kadayat Women for Peace &
Democracy
23. Mayank Mishra Jawaharlal Nehru
University
24. Thich Dong An Linh Son Temple [email protected]
25. Nguyen Quoc Thanh Linh Son Temple [email protected]
m
26. Hridaya R. Bajracharaya Lumbini Buddhist
University
27. Bhikkhu Maitri All Nepal Bh. Ass [email protected]
28. Arlene Samen One Heart World Wide Arleneconeheartworldwide.org
29. Karma Sonam Thran Gu Temple
30. Hugh Miall University of Kent [email protected]
31. Nailuttaris Indriane Indonesia Defense
University
32. Sharad Neupane Asian Academy for
Peace
33. Shobhakar Budhathoki Conflict Resolution
Specialist
34. Narayan B. K CODED- Nepal Surkhet [email protected]
35. Sajida Siddsie SISEA-Nepal [email protected]
36. Subindr Bogati Nepal Peace building
Institute
37. Ram Tiwari Nepal Institute of Justice [email protected]
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38. Chas Morrison Coventry University [email protected]
39. Manjil Ghimire Student and Researcher ?
40. Bhikkhu Vivekanandh Panditarama Lumbini [email protected]
41. Shreya Bajracharya WPD-Nepal [email protected]
42. Bhikkhuni Khamesi International ???
43. Shanker Pd. Mallah Lumbini Garden Lodge [email protected]
44. Monika Ratna Shakya Lumbini Buddhist
University
45. Mr. Hlay Aung Myanmar Golden
Temple
46. Amerika Kohar LDT.
47. Sankar Psd. Gautam Buddhist School [email protected]
48. Shahla Shahreen University of Dhaka [email protected]
49. Dr. Bharti Chhibber University of Delhi [email protected]
50. Jonathan Barry Groningen University,
NL
51. Surya Bhatta One Heart World Wide [email protected]
52. Anil. Gurung Plantation Festival [email protected]
53. Swami Anand Abhay OSHO JETBAN
Lumbini
54. Rajesh k. Lal Karn Nepal Police [email protected]
55. Priyanka Chakraborty Banaras Hindu
University
56. Frantislek Kutlik Swork Institution formed
57. Shrada Poudel LBU [email protected]
58. Niru Gautam National News Agency [email protected]
59. Dinesh Pandey Samayachar.com [email protected]
60. Pradip Acharya Abhiyan Daily [email protected]
61. Shiv Shank Tripathi Local Social Worker [email protected]
62. Anjula Shakya Dhita Peace Group Institute [email protected]
63. Samarin Sirisawat Royal Thi Monastery [email protected]
64. Chihawa Chinese Monastery
65. Vivekananda LLBC [email protected]
66. Mustfa Musalman LMTL
67. Anna King University of Winchester [email protected]
68. Zanjpo Lama German [email protected]
69. Ranyal Garaun [email protected]
70. Kaju Tadiwan District coordination
committee
71. Faninda Kumar Neupana Lumbini Buddhist
University
72. Anjini Chaurasiya Peace Group Institute [email protected]
73. Phra Therapong Jantana Royal Thai Monastery [email protected]
74. Prahlad Yadav Journalist [email protected]
75. Ivy Dhar Amledkar University [email protected]
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Delhi
76. Jamie Cresswell Center for Applied
Buddhism
Jc_appliedbuddhism.org.uk
77. Saccha Sakya Ditha Peace Group Institute [email protected]
78. Mark Owen University of Winchester [email protected]
79. Rahul Tripathi Janta Bank [email protected]
80 Manoj Paudel Kantipur Publication [email protected]
81. Sankar Pokheral Nepal Police [email protected]
82. Madan Gopal Shrestha TU [email protected]
83. Prof. Dr. Govinda Suvedi TU [email protected]
84. Shree Sankar Parsad Ray DDC Chair Person
85. Rebecca Bellamy University of Wenchister [email protected].
uk