A distinguished delegation, consisting of representatives from Nepal's primary development partner and senior officials of the Nepali government, undertook a visit to the sacred birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, on Friday. The team was warmly welcomed by key figures from Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), including Sanuraja Shakya, Secretary of LDT; Senior Engineer, Saroj Bhattarai; and Information and Public Relations Chief, Dr. Hari D. Rai and LDT officials. During the visit, Information and Public Relations Chief Dr. Rai provided the delegation with insights into the historical and cultural significance of Lumbini. The participating officials from the Nepal government and development partners included representatives from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), British Embassy in Kathmandu, European Union, Swiss Government, and USAID. The notable high-level delegation included: H.E. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos, Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, World Bank Dr. Andrew Long, Head of Governance and Social Development, Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Mr. Arnaud Cauchois, Country Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ms. Pippa Bird, Development Director, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, British Embassy Ms. Eloisa Astudillo-Fernandez, Deputy Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Nepal Mr. Sumir Lal, Director for Regional Communications, World Bank Ms. Lada Strelkova, Operations Manager for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, World Bank The visit aimed to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration on development initiatives in the Lumbini region. Recognizing Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha, the delegation's presence underscores the shared commitment to preserving and promoting this globally significant heritage site. The visit aimed to enhance understanding and collaboration on development initiatives in the Lumbini region. As the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini holds immense cultural and historical importance, and the delegation's presence underscores the shared commitment to preserving and promoting this global heritage site. The visit was coordinated by USAID Trade and Competitiveness. USAID Trade and Competitiveness has recently developed digital asset mapping along the Maya Devi Trail and aims to support the development and marketing of Maya Devi Trail as an important tourism destination in Lumbini.