KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat said that the world can learn from the 'exemplary' peace process of Nepal. He said Nepal is a land of diversity and social and cultural values as well as traditions and they could work as a platform for the development. 'Extremism or radicalism backed by religious fundamentalism and intolerance cripples societies and destabilises the social fabrics,' the Minister said while addressing the ninth Bali Democracy Forum organised in Bali on Thursday. Minister Mahat lauded the platform for the effective institutionalise the democracy in the region, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also praised the Forum for this year’s theme, 'Religion, Democracy and Pluralism.' The programme was inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Meanwhile, Mahat underlined the importance of the United Nations General Assembly for the 'promotion of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogues', for harmonious society. He expressed his commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and deal with global challenges including global warming, terrorism, natural calamities, famine and financial crisis among others. On the occasion, Mahat also informed the conference that Nepal was ready to hold the local, provincial and federal level elections by January 2018. On a different note, he expressed his deep condolence to the Government of Indonesia and those who lost their lives and property in the earthquake that struck Aceh of Indonesia yesterday. Ministers and delegations from 94 countries are participating in the conference. The Bali Democracy Forum since 2008 has been an effective platform to discuss democratic aspirations and governance.