Buddha’s teachings guide us for balanced economic system: CM Acharya

By Laxman Paudel,Bhairahawa, May 31: Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya inaugurated the Lumbini Buddhist Economic Summit–2025 on Friday.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the summit, organised in collaboration with Lumbini Buddhist University and the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Transport of the Lumbini Provincial Government, Chief Minister Acharya emphasised that the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha are rooted in compassion, morality, the middle path, and social justice. 

He stated that these principles offer valuable guidance for shaping a fair, balanced, and inclusive economic system.

“Buddha’s teachings have become even more relevant in addressing contemporary challenges such as inequality, poverty, consumerism, and environmental degradation,” said CM Acharya. “This summit provides an important platform for critical discussion and reflection on building an economic model that prioritises sustainable development, green growth, social justice, and human welfare in line with Buddhist philosophy.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the Lumbini Provincial Government has introduced a multi-pronged plan to attract tourists across the province, capitalising on the global significance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha. 

“I am confident that this summit will contribute meaningfully to the implementation of those plans. We believe the entire province can be developed with Lumbini as a central hub. Accordingly, the provincial government has given the highest priority to the comprehensive development of the Lumbini region,” he said.

CM Acharya expressed optimism that the ideas, suggestions, and outcomes of the summit would benefit not only Lumbini Province but also serve as a guiding framework for global efforts toward prosperous, just, and sustainable economic development.

The main objective of the summit is to enhance tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth in Lumbini Province while promoting Buddhist education. 

The event is expected to feature in-depth discussions on sustainable development, tourism expansion, and economic cooperation inspired by Buddhist principles.

The summit is being attended by researchers, academics, economists, tourism entrepreneurs, ministers from the provincial government, chief secretaries, senior officials, and representatives from various economic and development organisations.