Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is set to welcome 25 international billionaires as the third edition of the Global Peace Program takes place on December 9, 10 and 11 (Mangsir 24–26). This is the first time such a large group of high-profile business leaders and global influencers will be participating in the event, according to the program’s media coordinator Sulochana Khatri.

Khatri said the event will bring together influential personalities from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Among the key attendees are Dr. Sureshkumar Madhusudhan, Chairperson of Seagull International Group in Kerala, India; Lojze Peterle, the first Prime Minister of independent Slovenia and former Member of the European Parliament; Tamrat Layne, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and Dr. Siddiq Ahmed from Iram Holdings, a leading conglomerate operating in the UAE and India.

Organizers expect more than 10,000 participants to attend the three-day gathering. The event will host leaders from Nepal and abroad, scholars, UN cultural ambassadors, globally recognized business figures, artists, youth delegates and community representatives. A delegation of Chinese business representatives from Lumbini is also scheduled to participate.

According to program coordinator Shekhar Gautam, the discussions will focus on peacebuilding, climate change, sustainable development, inner well-being, social justice, practical peace implementation, leadership in daily life, and the inclusion of youth, women, indigenous communities, and marginalized voices in local governance. Experts from various countries will lead panel discussions, workshops and dialogues on these themes.

In addition to the formal sessions, the event will feature cultural exhibitions, musical performances and artistic showcases representing diverse global traditions. Organizers say the program aims to promote Lumbini as a global center for peace, culture and interfaith harmony, while fostering stronger international engagement with Nepal.