LDT officials hold a meeting to prepare for the visit of the UN Secretary General. Photo: Himal Press
LUMBINI: The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to make the visit of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres historic.
Dr. Lharkyal Lama, vice president of LDT, said that the Secretary-General’s visit provides a unique opportunity for the global promotion of Buddha and Lumbini. “We take immense pride in the Secretary-General’s visit, as it will undoubtedly enhance the worldwide recognition of Buddha and Lumbini,” he added.
Dr. Lama also applauded the United Nations’ support for Lumbini’s development and said that he believes the visit will further bolster Lumbini’s ongoing development endeavors.
Dhundiraj Bhattarai, treasurer of LDT, said that Guterres’ visit to Lumbini will not only elevate Lumbini’s global visibility but also strengthen cooperation with the United Nations for the region’s development. He added that the LDT intends to request the Secretary-General to convene a meeting of countries in the International Committee for the Development of Lumbini which was formed in the initiation of Secretary-General U Thant during his visit to Nepal in 1967.
Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati will extend a warm welcome to Guterres upon his arrival in Lumbini. Guterres is expected to land at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairhawa at 8:35 AM and will then travel to Lumbini by helicopter.
During his visit, he will first pay his respects at the International Peace Flame and then proceed to the Mayadevi Temple. Guterres will be greeted by monks, cultural groups, ethnic communities, and tourism entrepreneurs as he walks to the temple. His visit to Lumbini is scheduled to last approximately one and a half hours, during which he will also engage briefly with local media and write a message in the visitors’ book.
