On Sunday 20 September 2026, the Schengen Peace Foundation reported that its president, Vicki Hansen, will participate in the 17th World Peace Forum in Lumbini (Nepal).
The forum, which takes place from Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 September will see international peacebuilders, policymakers, academics, youth leaders and representatives of civil society gather for panel discussions and presentations on climate justice, human security, sustainable tourism, economic stability, youth leadership and the role of collaboration in advancing peace and development across the Global South.
Participants will also take part in meditation, cultural performances, tree planting, collaborative art and a peace prayer at the Mayadevi Temple. The forum will conclude with the adoption of the Lumbini World Peace Declaration. According to the Schengen Peace Foundation the programme recognises that peace is inseparable from climate resilience, environmental responsibility and the security and dignity of communities.
The opening ceremony will include a keynote address by Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace and creator of the Global Peace Index. Speakers will also include representatives from international institutions, government, academia, business and peacebuilding organisations.
The Schengen Peace Foundation highlighted that participants will remember those who lost their lives in the recent floods.
“Dialogue reaches its full value when something follows from it,” said Vicki Hansen, President of the Schengen Peace Foundation. “The conversations and partnerships begun in Lumbini can become tangible action that protects people, strengthens communities, restores our natural world and advances peace.”
The event is organised by the Lumbini World Peace Forum under the leadership of its founder and president, Basu Gautam.
The Schengen Peace Foundation was founded in 2005 and approved in 2007 by His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri as a Peace Think Tank dedicated to supporting peacebuilding initiatives. In the spirit of Schengen — a symbol of open dialogue, cooperation and unity across borders — the Foundation initiated the World Peace Forum, a global platform for peace activists and peace initiatives. This annual multidisciplinary gathering brings together peacebuilders from around the world to meet, exchange ideas and strengthen their collective impact.
