More than 400 delegates from 25 different countries of the world participated in the memorable event. The prominent participants included Princess Norlam Bhoopa Devi of Cambodia, Mongkhonvialy, Culture Minister of Laos, Ven. Dharmasen Mahasthivar, Sangharaja from Bangladesh, Most Rev. Y. Sugisaki, Chief of the Daijokyo sect of Japanese Buddhists, and Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, Ramon Magsaysay awardee and the President, Join Together Society, Korea.

In the beginning a short history of the Temple was read out by Bhikkhu Bodhipala which read : "In the 6th century B.C. Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained Supreme Enlightenment at this holy place and became the Buddha. In commemoration thereof Emperor Asoka set up the Vajrasana or Diamond Throne of polished sandstone representing the seat of Enlightenment. In the 3rd century B.C. during the Sunga period (2nd century B.C.), a sandstone railing was erected around it. The present Mahabodhi Temple was constructed in the 6th century A.D. The temple underwent several restorations, renovations and repairs in subsequent periods in which the Burmese greatly contributed. In 1883, a very thorough and scientific renovation of the Temple was done under the supervision of the British Archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham and J.D.M. Beglar and the Indian Archaeologist Dr. Rajendra Lal Mitra. Again in 1956, on the occasion of 2500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations, the Government of India did some repair works and enlarged the premises of the Mahabodhi Temple. This is the holiest of the holies for the Buddhists world-wide. The Mahabodhi Temple was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on the 27th June 2002."

Formally dedicating the shrine to the world, Tourism Minister Shri Jagmohan said : "We, the people of India and the Government of India regard the Temple as the one belonging to the entire human race and we would like peace and harmony to prevail in the world in the true spirit of Buddhism. We, therefore, dedicate this Temple to the World."

The unveiling of the dedication plaque was done amid the chanting of Buddhist mantras from scriptures in both Pali and Tibetan languages. The beating of drums and some classical Tibetan musical instruments accompanied the religious ceremony.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex has been inscribed on the World Heritage List of the Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage. Inscription on this list confirms the exceptional
universal value of a cultural or natural site which
deserves protection for the benefit of all Humanity.