Tibetans and supporters around the world celebrate 35th anniversary of Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize

Tibetan communities around the world celebrated the 35th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s award of the Nobel Peace Prize with events and festivities that began on 8 December. Celebrations took place in different 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 on 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 today which read in part:

Today, as we celebrate both the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and International Human Rights Day, it is fitting that we speak of His Holiness’s tireless efforts against all odds to preserve the Tibetan language and to promote its rich ancient Buddhist wisdom and 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 said that the 12 months from July 6, 2025 to July 6, 2026 would be designated the “Year of Compassion” in honor of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

The Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein held a commemorative event in Geneva on December 14. The ceremony included a speech by the Dalai Lama’s representative at the Tibet Office in Geneva, Thinley Chukki. The President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngoedun Gyatso, opened the event, followed by a speech by the Abbot of Rikon Monastery, Geshe Tenzin Jangchub. Chukki stressed the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and culture, highlighting the contributions of the Dalai Lama. Swiss Mayor Mario Fehr praised the integration of the Tibetan community into Swiss society, attributing its success to the Dalai Lama’s guidance.

In Paris, the commemoration attracted more than 800 participants, including local elected officials Geneviève Garrigos and François Vauglin. The President of the Tibetan Association of France, Pema Rinchen, gave a welcoming speech, followed by Thupten Tsering of the Tibet-Paris Office.

A grand banquet in Taipei, hosted by the Taiwan-based Tibet Office and the Tibetan Association, commemorated the anniversary on December 10, serving as a year-end thanksgiving gathering, acknowledging the support of the Taiwanese government and various organizations.

Spokesperson for the Office of the President of Taiwan Lii Wen delivered a speech at the event. Greetings from Taiwan Vice President Xia Mei Qing were read out, followed by speeches from Tian Quijin of the Taiwan Human Rights Association and Luo Wenjia of the Taiwan Democracy Foundation. Representative of the Taiwan Tibet Office Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen expressed his gratitude and commemorated the contributions of the Dalai Lama. The evening concluded with performances by Tibetan singer Lhundup.

In London, the Tibetan Community of Britain (TCB) held 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 certificates of congratulations to community leaders, urging participants to embody the Dalai Lama’s teachings.

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Jit Ranabhat, praised the Tibetan community's contributions to local diversity and announced a forthcoming Tibetan 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 honour the legacy of the Dalai Lama. The event coincided with International Human Rights Day and was marked by the singing of the Tibetan and Australian national anthems. The Secretary of the Tibet Information Office, Lhakpa Tsering, delivered the official Kashag statement, with Chinese Liaison Officer Dawa Sangmo also in attendance.

Cultural performances highlighted Tibetan heritage, culminating in the screening of the documentary Bringing Tibet Home. A question and answer session addressed human rights issues in Tibet under Chinese governance. Similar events were held across Australia, in Victoria, Queensland, Sydney and Newcastle, building solidarity among Tibetan communities.

The 35th anniversary of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama was marked by diverse and vibrant celebrations around the world. These events not only honoured His Holiness’ contributions to peace and compassion, but also highlighted the resilience and unity of Tibetan communities around the world.

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The 14th Dalai Lama 1989 (Nobel Peace Center)
Kashag Statement on the 35th Anniversary of the Award of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Central Tibetan Administration)
Tibetans around the world celebrate the 35th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize (Central Tibetan Administration)
Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra honours the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness at Tibet House, Delhi (Central Tibetan Administration)
Buddhists celebrate 35th anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to 14th Dalai Lama (Arunachal Observer)

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