11th International Peace Conference Kicks Off in Nepal: A Step Towards Global Peace Through Emotional Intelligence and Collaboration

The 11th International Peace Conference, organized by WWA/EQ4Peace, kicked off on September 21-22, 2024, at Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal, with a heartfelt and musical welcome for delegates in the Conference Hall. The theme of this year’s event, “Pathway to Global Peace through Emotional Intelligence, Positive Mental Health, Human Behavior, and Co-operative Management,” brought together a global community of thinkers, educators, and peacebuilders to explore innovative approaches to achieving peace in a world still recovering from the effects of the pandemic.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Sushil Gautam, who introduced the day’s agenda. Dr. Dess Mardan Basnet, Founder/President of WWA/EQ4Peace, chaired the session, with Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal, serving as the Chief Guest. The ceremony also welcomed distinguished guests, including Prof. Dr. Anand Kumar from India, Prof. Matt Perelstein from the USA, and several influential figures from Nepal’s education and peace sectors.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Arhan Sthapit, Conference Chair, highlighted the diverse contributions of scholars and researchers from around the world. He emphasized that the conference serves as a platform to explore how emotional intelligence, mental health, and positive psychology can promote lasting peace. Prof. Bajracharya formally inaugurated the conference by lighting the auspicious lamp and releasing the conference’s abstract book. He also presented the Dean of International Peace Prize (DOIPP) to Er. Ram Rohan Pant and Dr. Tap Raj Pant for their extraordinary contributions to peace and education. The award ceremony was an emotional moment, with a tribute to the late Dr. Dean Van Leuven and Prof. Dr. Tulasi Ram Vaidya.

A special gesture was made by Ms. Deeanna Croasmun, daughter of the late Dr. Van Leuven, who contributed US $1,000 to the DOIPP fund and pledged continued support for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs through monthly donations.

The conference featured an inspiring range of speeches and discussions. Prof. Dr. Anand Kumar lauded WWA’s efforts to integrate emotional intelligence into peacebuilding, particularly within education. He also stressed the importance of stress management in educational contexts. Prof. Matt Perelstein moderated a key panel discussion, emphasizing collaboration with UNESCO and future projects aimed at bringing peace education into schools. He also shared insights from the Dalai Lama’s vision of fostering global peace through inner peace.

Other notable speakers, including Dr. Chiranjibi Bhattarai, Mr. Udaya Raj Poudel, and Prof. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, shared their insights on conflict resolution, emotional literacy, and the Buddhist perspective on peace and anger management.

The session concluded with Dr. Dess Mardan Basnet reflecting on the lasting legacy of Dr. Van Leuven and his work in emotional education. The inaugural event ended with a group photo session where delegates from ten countries exchanged ideas on how emotional intelligence and collaboration can foster global peace.

On the second day, the conference concluded with a meaningful Valedictory Session at Quest International College, Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal. The session featured the presence of Dr. Dhruba Raj Regmi, National Program Officer at UNESCO Nepal, as the Chief Guest of Honor. He was welcomed by Ms. Jyoti Sherchan, Chairperson of Quest International College. Other notable attendees included Associate Prof. Dr. Madhya Zhegan from the University of Malaya, Prof. Dr. Arhan Sthapit, Conference Chair, and Dr. Dess Mardan Basnet, President, WWA.

A key highlight was the Awards Ceremony, where the WWA Visionary Achievement Awards were presented to Mr. Purshottam Giri, Vice-Principal at Bheem Secondary High School, for his dedication to education, and Mr. Suresh Dhimal, Treasurer of WWA Nepal, for his exceptional leadership. Volunteer Achievement Awards were also given to Mr. Dilip Phuyal, Senior Photographer at WWA Nepal, and Mr. Sandeep Shrestha, Principal at Sambriddhi College, Kathmandu, for their dedicated service to the organization.

In her speech, Ms. Paula Perelstein, Treasurer of EQ4Peace Worldwide, Inc., reflected on the conference’s focus on emotional intelligence in peacebuilding, expressing optimism about its potential to inspire further research and collaboration. Dr. Sagar Kisan Wadkar, Adviser at the National Cooperative Union of India, highlighted the role of cooperative management in promoting global peace, particularly through self-regulation theories.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Dhruba Raj Regmi, National Program Officer, UNESCO, emphasized UNESCO’s commitment to integrating emotional intelligence into classrooms across Nepal, creating an environment that nurtures both academic success and social harmony. He praised WWA’s ongoing efforts to integrate peace education and emotional intelligence into schools.

The Valedictory Session also included the presentation of Best Paper and Critic Awards by Associate Prof. Dr. Madhya Zhegan, who also expressed interest in collaborating with WWA in future initiatives. Dr. David Basyal, Head of the Quest Research Cell, offered a vote of thanks to all those who contributed to the event’s success, while Mr. Ramesh Kunwar, Chief Finance Officer of Quest International College, expressed his interest in hosting the 12th International Peace Conference.

The session concluded with a vibrant cultural performance by students of Quest International College, followed by refreshments and a group photo session to commemorate the event.

The conference concluded with an announcement for the 12th International Peace Conference, set to focus on “Building Peace through Global Citizenship Education, Social-Emotional Learning, Mental Wellness, and Sustainable Management of Cooperatives and Human Resources.”

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