Nagma Shrestha Advocates for Peace and Prosperity at UN Luncheon Event

New York – Nagma Shrestha, former Miss Universe Nepal 2017 and former National Director of Miss Universe Nepal, and an avid advocate for inclusivity and leadership, delivered an inspiring speech today at the Delegate’s Dining Room on the 4th Floor of the UN Headquarters in New York. The luncheon event, themed “Peace and Prosperity in the Asia Pacific,” was sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), an NGO in General Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC.

Nagma Shrestha’s speech, titled “Fostering Peace and Prosperity: A Women’s Perspective on the Asia Pacific Region,” emphasized the essential role of inner peace in achieving global prosperity. She highlighted Nepal’s cultural and spiritual heritage, presenting Nepal as a beacon of peace and inclusivity. She drew connections between the teachings of Buddha and the values of peace and unity that have shaped her identity and community. The event took place today, coinciding with Buddha Jayanti, which added significant meaning to her message.

Ms. Shrestha spoke passionately about the importance of promoting gender equality, ensuring access to education for girls, and supporting women’s economic advancement. She underscored the role of individuals in fostering peace, stating that true prosperity is unattainable without inner peace and harmony. She emphasized that peace begins with the individual and that each person has a responsibility to promote peace in their own lives and communities.

In her address, Ms. Shrestha shared personal anecdotes from her upbringing in Nepal, a land known for its deep-rooted spirituality and reverence for women. She recounted how her experiences growing up in a culture that celebrates women as goddesses influenced her understanding of peace and prosperity. She noted the importance of preserving cultural values while adapting to global changes, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to progress.

She also addressed the challenges faced by women in the Asia Pacific region, where gender inequality and limited access to education and economic opportunities persist. Ms. Shrestha called for collaborative efforts to uplift women, emphasizing the need for initiatives that provide access to education, financial resources, and training. She highlighted successful examples of women-led projects in Nepal and other parts of the region that have contributed to sustainable development and peace.

Ms. Shrestha concluded her speech with a powerful call to action, urging the audience to integrate the values of peace and prosperity into their daily lives. She invoked the words of Buddha, “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without,” encouraging everyone to find inner peace and extend it to the world around them.

The audience responded enthusiastically with a standing ovation to Ms. Shrestha’s speech, recognizing the significance of her message on Buddha Jayanti. Her insights and personal experiences provided a unique perspective on the intersection of culture, gender, and peace in the Asia Pacific region.

About Universal Peace Federation: The Universal Peace Federation affirms the ideals of interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values as essential to achieving world peace. UPF and its global network of partners work collaboratively across all sectors of society to resolve conflicts and reconcile the divided human family.