It is a matter of great academic privilege for the University of Ladakh to be associated with the Second International Planetary Peace Conference (IPPC 2026), jointly organized by World Natural Democracy.
Having had the privilege of serving as Vice-Chancellor of Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, and now the University of Ladakh, I have witnessed the remarkable diversity of India’s intellectual, cultural, and civilizational traditions. Across these institutions, one conviction has remained steadfast: universities are not merely centres for the dissemination of knowledge; they are custodians of wisdom, ethical reflection, dialogue, and the enduring pursuit of peace.
The theme of this Conference, “No Global Peace Without Global Justice,” carries profound philosophical significance. Lasting peace cannot be achieved merely through the absence of conflict; it must be rooted in justice, equality, human dignity, mutual respect, and the rule of ethical values. As institutions of higher learning, universities have a vital responsibility to cultivate these ideals through education, research, critical inquiry, and constructive dialogue, thereby contributing to a more peaceful, just, and sustainable global society.
In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges-including conflict, environmental degradation, technological transformation, and widening social inequalities-the responsibility of higher education has become more profound than ever before. Universities must nurture enlightened minds, compassionate leadership, and responsible global citizenship. They must also serve as spaces where philosophy, science, culture, and human values converge to inspire solutions for the common good.
The University of Ladakh warmly welcomes this important international initiative, which brings together distinguished scholars, researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds. Such academic engagements strengthen international cooperation, encourage interdisciplinary scholarship, and reaffirm our collective commitment to the universal ideals of justice, peace, and harmonious coexistence.
I commend World Natural Democracy for envisioning and organizing this significant global platform for intellectual dialogue. I am confident that the deliberations of IPPC 2026 will make a meaningful contribution to contemporary academic discourse and inspire collaborative efforts towards building a more peaceful, just, and sustainable planetary future.
I extend my heartfelt best wishes for the grand success of the Conference and trust that its outcomes will strengthen the enduring relationship between knowledge, justice, ethics, humanity, and our shared future.

Prof. Saket Kushwaha

Vice-Chancellor
University of Ladakh