| Kathmandu , Nepal will host the Second World Buddhist Summit in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha in southern Nepal , from Nov 30 to Dec 2. The summit is expected to be attended by participants from at least 17 countries besides Nepal . The government will invite heads of state and government, ministers, monks and representatives of Buddhist organizations.
Nepal is hoping to rope in more donors to develop Lumbini into an international pilgrimage site. The organizers are also hoping to get support for establishing a Buddhist university in Lumbini.
The government has set up a committee to oversee the summit. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba heads the committee.
When Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari Friday unveiled the Nepali Rs.111-billion budget, he also pledged support to the Second World Buddha Summit in 2004-05 to promote Lumbini as a world tourist destination.
Over 600 million Buddhists worldwide venerate the holy city, located about 300 km west of Kathmandu in the Terai plains.
In 1998 the World Buddhist Summit was held there, followed by an International Buddhist Conference.
This year Myanmar is also hosting an international Buddhist conference.
Buddhist organizations from 30 countries are expected at the meet Dec 9. |
