Lumbini, April 3, 2025 – Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) successfully hosted the 18th N.E.W.S. (North, East, West, South) Conference and Vice Chancellors’ Symposium, with the collaboration of University Grants Commssion and Nihon University, bringing together over 200 national and international participants, including distinguished scholars, policymakers, and academic leaders. The two-day event, held on April 2–3, 2025, featured over 15 paper presentations, high-level panel discussions, and symposiums that addressed key challenges and opportunities in higher education and alternative medicine.
Speaking in the inaugural session, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Prof. Dev Raj Adhikari, PhD, emphasized the urgent need for innovation and collaboration in Nepal’s higher education sector. Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Prof. Subarna Lal Bajracharya,PhD stressed the significance of interdisciplinary learning in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Registrar of Lumbini Buddhist University, Tilak Ram Acharya,PhD, also addressed the distinguished gathering, underscoring the importance of policy-driven reforms and faculty development.
Additionally, University lunched its new journal Dhammachakka on the occasion. Speaking in the session, former Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Porf. Tri Ratna Manandhar, PhD expressed his happiness and congratulated everyone. Similarly, Director of Research Center , Prfo Gitu Giri, PhD mentioned the academic investment behind the journal and thanked everyone for their support.
Vice Chancellors’ Symposium on Higher Education for the 4th Industrial Revolution – Global Mobility, Buddhist Wisdom, and Academic Collaboration
This symposium explored the evolving role of universities in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasizing global mobility, interdisciplinary learning, and the integration of Buddhist wisdom into education. Distinguished panelists discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital learning in higher education and how institutions can adapt while maintaining ethical and philosophical foundations. The discussions highlighted the importance of international academic collaboration, student exchange programs, and cross-border research partnerships, ensuring that Nepal’s universities remain competitive in the global academic landscape.
Vice Chancellors’ Symposium on Challenges and Opportunities of Higher Education in Nepal
Bringing together former and current vice chancellors, this session addressed the pressing issues faced by Nepal’s higher education sector, including curriculum modernization, faculty development, and policy reforms. Speakers emphasized the need for enhanced research capabilities, industry-academia partnerships, and updated governance structures to align Nepal’s universities with international standards. The discussion also covered the role of higher education in driving economic growth, advocating for increased investment in research, technology, and skill-based education to equip graduates for the demands of the global job market.
Vice Chancellors’ Symposium on Mainstreaming Alternative Medicine in Nepal Aligned with SDGs
This session focused on the integration of traditional medicine into Nepal’s academic and healthcare systems, ensuring alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Experts from medical and academic fields discussed the significance of Ayurveda, Sowa-Rigpa, and other traditional healing practices, advocating for their inclusion in higher education curricula and national health policies. The symposium emphasized the need for research-based validation, international recognition, and government support to position Nepal as a leader in alternative medicine education and practice, creating a sustainable and holistic healthcare system for the future.
In addition to the symposium, the conference featured over 15 research paper presentations by scholars from Nepal and other countries, covering a wide range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence in education, digital transformation and academic mobility, commercialization of research, Buddhist studies, and strategies for upskilling in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These presentations sparked meaningful discussions on innovative solutions for academic and professional development in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The conference also served as a platform for international academic collaboration, with participants from diverse institutions engaging in discussions aimed at bridging the gap between education, research, and industry. The event reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing global challenges and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships in higher education policy and practice.
The successful conclusion of the 18th N.E.W.S. Conference and Vice Chancellors’ Symposium marks a significant step toward advancing higher education and policy development in Nepal and beyond. Lumbini Buddhist University extends its sincere appreciation to all dignitaries, keynote speakers, panelists, and attendees for their invaluable contributions, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, international collaboration, and the integration of traditional wisdom with modern education.