A three-day World Peace Conference 2025, held in Leh, Ladakh from August 23–25, was organised by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Shanti Stupa, the ABCP-Indian National Centre, and several partner organisations. This was for the first time that such a gathering was organised in Leh, Ladakh, a Hiamalayan region of India. The conference was convened to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The inaugural session was held at MIMC with delegates from India and abroad, including participants from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka and it began by holding interfaith prayers. Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, President of MIMC made the keynote address and extended a hearty welcome to all the delegates. The opening featured the unveiling of statues symbolizing peace, a gift from Japan, followed by special prayers for global peace. The dedication ceremony was led by Ven. Koya Matsuoka of Susuno Komyoji Temple, Japan. Mr. Tashi Gyalson, Chairman & CEC, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh was the Chief Guest.
Special messages from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and ABCP President Khensur Gabju Demberel Choijamts were read out by Shri Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo, both of which deeply inspired the audience.
The second day’s deliberations took place at the Thiksey Monastery, where participants presented papers on world peace and environmental conservation. In the evening, a World Peace March was organised in Leh town. Beginning at Leh Gate and concluding at the Main Mosque, the march brought together delegates and hundreds of local citizens. At the public gathering, speakers from socio-religious organisations reflected on the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and called for global peace, unity, and social harmony.
The closing ceremony was planned outdoors at the Shanti Stupa, but due to unprecedented rainfall it was shifted indoors to the adjoining hall. The valedictory session was graced by Mr. Abhijeet Haldar, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Blessings were also offered by Khenzur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan. Among the dignitaries present were Shri Ghulam Mehdi (Hon’ble Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh), Ms. Halena Dolma, Ambassador Deepak Vohra, Dr. P.R. Trivedi, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, Dr. Markandey Rai, Shri C. Phuntsog, Shri Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo, and Shri Tsering Samphel, along with the international delegation of the conference.
The ceremony began with prayers led by Most Venerable Gyomo Nakamura, Chief Patron of the Ladakh Shanti Stupa in the Japanese tradition, joined by members of the All Ladakh Gonpa Association. These collective prayers embodied the spirit of interfaith harmony and global solidarity that defined the entire conference.
In his valedictory speech, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena expressed deep gratitude to the delegates and organisations, and stressed the urgent need for humanity to embrace compassion, dialogue, and cooperation as the foundations of peace. He also presented the official conference report, highlighting outcomes such as: the call for global unity and interfaith collaboration, promotion of sustainable peace-building initiatives and environmental conservation, especially among the youth. Shri Abhijeet Haldar, in his address, praised the collaborative spirit of the event and reminded the gathering about the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He also recalled the pivotal role of Ven. Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in the establishment of the Ladakh Shanti Stupa, his lifelong contributions to peace, and his involvement in founding ABCP in Mongolia. Dr. P.R. Trivedi and Dr. Vijay Dhasmana also expressed satisfaction with the deliberations.
The conference concluded with the adoption of a unanimous “Ladakh Peace Declaration”, read by Shri Tsering Samphel, Secretary, Ladakh Shanti Stupa, Leh marking a historic milestone for the gathering.
The closing ceremony also featured devotional performances by Shri Tundup Dorjey Stakmo, Ms. Padma Dolkar, and their troupe, which enriched the spiritual atmosphere of the event. The final highlight was a soulful flute recital by Japanese maestro Okano Hiroki, leaving participants with a sense of serenity and renewed hope for a compassionate and peaceful world.
(NB. This was news piece submitted by the Indian National Center for ABCP quite sometime back, but because of some problems with updating in the website, its publication was delayed significantly, but we think the significance of the news piece is important event today and so we have publiched it today on 24 July 2026. We apologise to the Indian National Center for ABCP for this delay. ABCP HQ).
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, President of MIMC lighting candle before opening the conference
Ghulam Mehd, Hon’ble Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh addressing the conference
Dr. Abhijit Halder, Director General, International Buddhist Conference addressing the conference
World Peace march held in Leh during the conference. Photos courtesy of Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, India National Center for ABCP
