Leaders in Kathmandu Share Approaches to Peacebuilding
Updated: 2 days ago
Kathmandu, Nepal – In partnership with the Karmashil Women Society, UPF-Nepal organized a commemorative and educational program to mark the UN International Day of Peace on September 20, 2026, at Bajrabarahi Resort in Shankharapur Municipality of Kathmandu.
The program brought together 62 participants, including the deputy mayor, former deputy mayor, educators, journalists, women leaders and activists, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, government representatives and community members. The program focused on the 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” and highlighted the importance of building peace through family values, responsible leadership, dialogue, mutual respect, cooperation and community participation.
Mrs. Shukra Laxmi Shrestha, former deputy mayor of Shankharapur Municipality and an ambassador for peace, helped to organize the event in partnership with the Karmashil Women Society. Deputy Mayor Mrs. Samita Shrestha attended as the chief guest.
The program was conducted in two sessions: The first focused on the significance of the International Day of Peace and the 2026 theme, while the second provided focused education on peacebuilding, family values and leadership approaches.
Mr. Santosh Kumar Paudel, vice chair of UPF-Asia Pacific, delivered the main educational presentation, emphasizing that peace is not solely the responsibility of governments and international organizations but begins within individuals, families, schools, communities and everyday relationships. He presented the UPF perspective of “Investing in Peace: From the Family to the Nation, and from the Nation to the World,” encouraging participants to recognize their personal responsibility in creating peaceful and harmonious communities.
The program generated meaningful reflections from participating leaders. The former deputy mayor emphasized the urgency of peacebuilding amid increasing global challenges, and highlighted the role of local communities as everyday contributors to peace.
Deputy Mayor Mrs. Samita Shrestha emphasized that peace begins within the individual, and encouraged participants to cultivate inner peace, respectful communication and responsible engagement with digital media. She particularly encouraged participants to avoid content that promotes anger and division and instead use communication and technology to promote understanding and peaceful relationships.
The secretary general of UPF-Nepal, Mr. Prakash Babu Thapa, played an important role in leading team interactions, providing orientation about the program, facilitating networking and strengthening communication among participants and organizers. His contribution helped create a more interactive environment and encouraged participants to explore future cooperation with UPF.
The chairwoman of the Karmashil Women Society highlighted that lasting peace requires more than the temporary cessation of conflict. She emphasized the importance of dialogue, justice, human rights, reconciliation and addressing the root causes of conflict, while noting the serious impact of violence on families, education, livelihoods, communities and sustainable development. Her remarks strengthened the connection between peacebuilding and community development.
The closing session was led by Mrs. Nila Shrestha, president of Women’s Federation for World Peace Nepal, who delivered the vote of thanks and closing remarks. She expressed appreciation to all participants, organizers and supporters and expressed her willingness to continue volunteering in educational and peacebuilding programs that can serve as a bridge between UPF, local government, women leaders and community organizations. Her commitment opened an additional avenue for future cooperation and community engagement.
By UPF-Nepal September 20, 2026
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