Tibetan communities worldwide celebrated the 35th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize with events and festivities beginning on 8 December. Celebrations took place in various countries, reflecting the enduring legacy and global impact of the 14th Dalai Lama, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on 10 December 1989 for “advocating peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Tibetan people.” (Nobel Peace Center)
The Kashag, the executive office of the Central Tibetan Administration, issued a statement for the day that said in part:
Today, as we celebrate both the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the International Human Rights Day, it is the appropriate that we speak on His Holiness’s tireless efforts against all odds in preserving the Tibetan language, and also promotion of the rich ancient Buddhist wisdom & its cultural values. And also, His Holiness’s role as a whistleblower for the protection of global ecology and environment. (Central Tibetan Administration)
The statement also noted that the 12 months from 6 July 2025–6 July 2026 would be designated a “Year of Compassion” in honor of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.
The Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein organized a commemorative event in Geneva on 14 December. The ceremony featured an address by the representative of the Dalai Lama at the Geneva Office of Tibet, Thinley Chukki. The president of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngoedun Gyatso, opened the event, followed by a speech from the abbot of Rikon Monastery, Geshe Tenzin Jangchub. Chukki emphasized the importance of preserving Tibetan language and culture, highlighting the Dalai Lama’s contributions. Swiss Mayor Mario Fehr praised the Tibetan community’s integration into Swiss society, attributing their success to the Dalai Lama’s guidance.
In Paris, the commemoration drew more than 800 attendees, including local officials Genevieve Garrigos and Francois Vauglin. The president of the France Tibetan Association, Pema Rinchen, delivered a welcome speech, which was followed by Thupten Tsering from the Bureau du Tibet–Paris.
A grand banquet in Taipei, organized by the Taiwan-based Office of Tibet and the Tibetan Association, commemorated the anniversary on 10 December, serving as a year-end thank-you gathering, acknowledging support from the Taiwanese government and various organizations.
Spokesperson for the Office of the President of Taiwan, Lii Wen, delivered remarks at the event. Taiwan Vice President Xia Mei Qing’s greetings were read, followed by speeches from Tian Quijin of the Taiwan Human Rights Association and Luo Wenjia of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. The Representative of the Taiwan Office of Tibet, Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, expressed gratitude and commemorated the Dalai Lama’s contributions. The evening concluded with performances by Tibetan singer Lhundup.
In London, the Tibetan Community in Britain (TCB) organized an event at the Asian Community Centre on 8 December. Representative Tsering Yangkey highlighted the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to humanity and the importance of preserving Tibetan language and culture. Asanga Vajra Sakya Rinpoche presented felicitation certificates to community leaders, urging attendees to embody the Dalai Lama’s teachings.
The mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Jit Ranabhat, commended the Tibetan community’s contributions to local diversity and announced an upcoming Tibet flag-raising ceremony in March 2025. The event concluded with a traditional Tibetan circle dance, fostering a sense of unity and festivity.
In Canberra, the local Tibetan community gathered at the Albert Hall on 10 December to honor the Dalai Lama’s legacy. The event coincided with International Human Rights Day and featured the singing of the Tibetan and Australian national anthems. The secretary of the Tibet Information Office, Lhakpa Tsering, delivered the Kashag’s official statement, while the Chinese Liaison Officer, Dawa Sangmo, also attended.
Cultural performances showcased Tibetan heritage, culminating in a screening of the documentary Bringing Tibet Home. A Q&A session addressed human rights issues in Tibet under Chinese governance. Similar events were held across Australia in Victoria, Queensland, Sydney, and Newcastle, reinforcing the solidarity among Tibetan communities.
The 35th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize was marked by diverse and vibrant celebrations across the globe. These events not only honored His Holiness’s contributions to peace and compassion but also highlighted the resilience and unity of Tibetan communities worldwide.
See more
The 14th Dalai Lama 1989 (Nobel Peace Center)
Statement of Kashag on the 35th Anniversary of the Conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Central Tibetan Administration)
Tibetans Around the World Celebrate 35th Anniversary of Conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Central Tibetan Administration)
Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra Graces Commemoration of 35th Anniversary of Conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness at Tibet House, Delhi (Central Tibetan Administration)
Buddhists celebrate 35th anniversary of Nobel Peace prize conferment on HH 14th Dalai Lama (Arunachal Observer)
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