Ladakh Hosts Global Voices for Peace at the World Peace Conference 2025

Leh, Ladakh | August 23–25, 2025 

Against the serene backdrop of the Himalayas, Leh emerged as a vibrant hub of dialogue, spirituality, and cultural exchange during the World Peace Conference 2025. The three-day gathering brought together global leaders, scholars, monks, diplomats, and peacebuilders, united by the shared vision of compassion, unity, and harmony. The conference was hosted across multiple iconic venues, including the MIMC Devachan Campus, MIMC Sambodhi Retreat Centre, MIMC Buddha Park for World Peace, and the Ladakh Shanti Stupa.

The conference opened with a deeply symbolic ceremony at the MIMC Devachan Campus, marked by the dedication of six Japanese Buddha statues at the Buddha Park for World Peace. This act of cultural and spiritual offering embodied the spirit of international friendship and the timeless pursuit of peace.

In the afternoon, the first academic session at the MIMC Sambodhi Retreat Centre set the tone for profound deliberations. Eminent speakers and participants reflected on history’s lessons, cultural values, and the moral imperatives of peace in today’s world. The day concluded with a spirited “Walk for World Peace” from Leh Gate to the Main Market, where participants marched together, sending out a powerful message of solidarity and nonviolence to the world.

The second day commenced with a visit to the historic Thiksey Monastery. The session that followed at the Sherap Skitsal Ling Library and Learning Centre was graced by the presence of H.E. Thiksey Rinpoche, who underscored the timeless role of spiritual traditions in guiding humanity toward compassion and peace. Later in the afternoon, the third academic session at the MIMC Sambodhi Retreat Centre brought forward innovative perspectives on intercultural cooperation, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. The evening unfolded with collective prayers for world peace and a series of cultural performances by the talented students of Mahabodhi Residential School, which harmoniously blended spirituality and artistry and showcased the vibrant Ladakhi culture.

The concluding day was devoted to the Valedictory Session at the Ladakh Shanti Stupa. The highlight of the day was the adoption of the Ladakh Peace Declaration, a historic resolution reaffirming the collective commitment of participants to compassion, dialogue, and collaborative action for peace. The Ladakh Peace Declaration announced the establishment of a university of compassion, with Dr. Markandey Rai as its coordinator and the office headquartered in New Delhi. Prayers for world peace offered by the Sangha Community from various monasteries of Ladakh added a deeply spiritual dimension to the proceedings, symbolizing a shared aspiration for harmony across humanity. The event culminated in a cultural program dedicated to world peace, celebrating Ladakh’s rich traditions and reaffirming its role as a global beacon of peace and spiritual resilience. The event also witnessed the mesmerizing performance by World-renowned Hiroki Okano, a Japanese musician and composer.

The World Peace Conference 2025 celebrated diversity while nurturing unity, weaving together voices from across the globe into a shared commitment to peace. By bringing together cultural, academic, and spiritual dialogues under one platform, the conference not only looked back at the lessons of history but also envisioned innovative pathways for the future. It stood as a powerful reminder that compassion and dialogue remain humanity’s greatest tools for addressing the challenges of the modern world.

As a co-organiser of the event, GPF India played a vital role in shaping the academic sessions and facilitating national participation. Its commitment to fostering dialogue, strengthening interfaith harmony, and advancing the values of peace and human dignity was reflected throughout the proceedings, making the conference a truly collaborative and transformative platform.