Lumbini Kapilvastu Global Campaign Belgium becomes member of International Peace Bureau

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, July 4: The Lumbini Kapilvastu Global Campaign Belgium (LKGCB) has become a member of the International Peace Bureau (IPB), a historic and globally respected peace organization.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in LKGCB’s mission to promote peace, non-violence, and intercultural understanding rooted in the teachings of Lord Buddha, the LKGCB said in its press release on Thursday.

LKGCB is also a proud member of the Leuven Peace Movement (Leuvense Vredesbeweging), a local coalition of peace advocates working to foster solidarity, justice, and dialogue within Belgian society and beyond. Through this dual affiliation—both local and global—LKGCB is uniquely positioned to bridge grassroots activism with international peacebuilding efforts.

A Legacy of Peace and a Call to Action

Founded in 1891, the International Peace Bureau is one of the world’s oldest peace federations and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (1910). With over 300 member organizations in more than 70 countries, IPB has long championed disarmament, peace education, and non-violent conflict resolution. Its campaigns, such as the Global Campaign on Military Spending (GCOMS), have brought critical attention to the imbalance between military expenditure and investment in human development.

In today’s world—marked by escalating conflicts, climate crises, and growing polarization—the need for sustained, collaborative peace efforts has never been more urgent. From Ukraine to the Middle East, from refugee crises to rising extremism, the global community faces challenges that cannot be solved by governments alone. Civil society organizations like LKGCB and IPB play a vital role in building bridges, fostering dialogue, and nurturing a culture of peace.

A Shared Vision for a Peaceful Future

“This membership is not just an honor—it’s a responsibility,” said Dr. Rajendra Bari, President of LKGCB. “We are committed to working with IPB, the Leuven Peace Movement, and other like-minded organizations to amplify the message of peace rooted in the teachings of Buddha. Together, we can build a more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable world.”

Strategic Areas of Collaboration

As a new member of IPB, LKGCB will actively contribute to and co-develop initiatives such as:

•        Peace education programs in schools and universities across Europe and South Asia.

•        Joint advocacy for global disarmament, including nuclear weapons abolition and reduction of military spending.

•        International peace conferences and forums in cities like Brussels, Lumbini, and Geneva.

•        Youth empowerment initiatives to cultivate the next generation of peacebuilders and ethical leaders.

•        Cultural diplomacy and interfaith dialogue to promote mutual respect and understanding across diverse communities.

LKGCB is proudly listed as a member on the official IPB website https://ipb.org/members/lumbini-kapilvastu-global-campaign/, reflecting its growing role in the global peace movement.

Lumbini: A Symbol of Global Peace

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a universal symbol of peace, enlightenment, and non-violence. LKGCB’s long-term vision is to establish Lumbini as a World Peace City, a hub for international dialogue, education, and sustainable development. This vision aligns closely with IPB’s mission and offers a powerful platform for global collaboration.

A Call for Unity

In a time when division and violence dominate headlines, partnerships like that between LKGCB and IPB offer hope. They remind us that peace is not a passive ideal—it is an active, collective pursuit. By working together across borders, cultures, and ideologies, we can create a world where peace is not the exception, but the norm.