Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) has taken a major step toward advancing global cultural research and regional cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Usina de Ideias de Juventude Internacional de Macau (Macao International Youth Think Tank) to co-establish the “Circum-Himalayan Cultural Research Institute.”
The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Dr. Hao Xu, Chairman of the Macao International Youth Think Tank, and Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University.
The new Institute will be housed at LBU and will be co-developed in partnership with Nankai University, forming a tri-institutional collaboration aimed at strengthening academic networks, research capacity, and cultural understanding across the Circum-Himalayan region.
A Platform for High-Level International Cooperation
According to the agreement, the Institute will serve as a high-level international platform dedicated to promoting research on the cultures, histories, societies, and ecological systems of the Circum-Himalayan region. The initiative seeks to deepen cross-cultural understanding and contribute intellectual input to regional peace, sustainability, and prosperity.
“The richness and openness of Circum-Himalayan cultures provide a unique foundation for international academic cooperation,” the Parties noted in the MoU. “This Institute will help foster dialogue, exchange, and shared learning among civilizations.”
Key Areas of Cooperation
The signed MoU outlines several critical areas of collaboration:
1. Joint Research
The Parties will jointly develop interdisciplinary research projects related to Circum-Himalayan culture, including field studies, comparative research, documentation, and policy analysis. Research reports, monographs, and policy briefs will be co-published.
2. Academic Publishing
The Institute will support the publication and development of the Journal of Himalayan Cultural Studies, with the goal of elevating it into a leading international academic journal in the field.
3. Faculty and Scholar Support
The Macao International Youth Think Tank will use its academic networks to recommend visiting scholars, special researchers, and part-time lecturers to strengthen LBU’s teaching and research activities in cultural studies, media studies, and related areas.
4. International Exchange and Think Tank Networks
The Institute will work with global partners to organize international conferences, promote scholar exchanges, and support youth exchange programs. The Think Tank will assist in developing an international cooperation network to expand the Institute’s global footprint.
Joint Management and Operations
To ensure coordinated development, the Parties—together with Nankai University—will form a Joint Institute Management Committee, responsible for strategic planning, reviewing annual work plans, and overseeing major cooperation programs.
LBU will manage daily operations and provide administrative and infrastructural support, while the Think Tank and Nankai University will contribute academic expertise and research resources. All three parties will collaborate in securing funding and other resources necessary for the Institute’s activities.
A Vision for Peace, Learning, and Regional Transformation
The MoU represents a shared commitment to strengthening academic diplomacy and building intellectual bridges across South Asia, Tibet, the Himalayan foothills, and neighboring regions.
University officials expressed optimism about the project’s long-term impact, emphasizing that the Institute will not only advance research but also promote mutual understanding and sustainable development within one of the most culturally diverse regions of the world.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for Lumbini Buddhist University as it expands its global presence and reinforces its role as an academic hub dedicated to cultural studies, peace research, and regional collaboration.