Dharamshala: Tibetans around the world commemorated the 35th anniversary of conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama with official functions and festivities at various centres of the Tibetan community on and around 10 December 2024.
In Switzerland, the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein organised an event commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 14 December 2024. The commemoration ceremony officially began at 1:30 p.m. Initially, the Swiss Representative Office’s representative, Thinley Chukki, along with Rikon Monastery’s abbot and former officials, ceremonially escorted His Holiness’s portrait with incense and placed it on the honoured seat.
Following that, the President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngoedun Gyatso, delivered opening remarks followed by a speech from the abbot of Rikon Monastery, Geshe Tenzin Jangchub.
Likewise, Representative Thinley Chukki addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of Tibetan parents prioritising the teaching of the Tibetan language and culture to their offspring. She also presented a detailed speech in English, highlighting the remarkable achievements of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Other notable guests, including honourable Mark Eberli, the Mayor of Bulach, and honourable Mario Fehr, the Zurich Security Minister, also delivered speeches.
Mayor Mario Fehr commended the Tibetan community as an exemplary model in Swiss society, crediting this success to the noble guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In light of the recent collapse of an authoritarian regime in the Middle East, he urged Tibetans to preserve the organisational structure and relevance of the Central Tibetan Administration, as the survival of the authoritarian government in Beijing also remains uncertain. He further expressed his contentment, noting that since His Holiness visited Switzerland and the initial release of Wisdom of Happiness also took place in Switzerland this year, these events have been significant blessings.
At the same time, the Tibetan Association, on behalf of the community, expressed gratitude to the supporters of Tibet during the celebration.
In France, the commemoration event in Paris was attended by honourable Genevieve Garrigos, the Paris councillor and councillor of 20th arrondissement of Paris; honourable Francois Vauglin, the mayor of the 11th arrondissement of Paris; and Coordinator Thupten Tsering from Bureau du Tibet – Paris, along with chairs of various organisations, representatives of Tibet support groups in France, and over 800 local and Tibetan residents gathered to commemorate the occasion.
The event began with a welcome speech by Pema Rinchen, the President of the France Tibetan Association, followed by an address from the Coordinator, Thupten Tsering. The latter presented a synopsis of the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament in Exile’s statement and spoke about various issues, including the upcoming year-long 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness and the offering of long-life prayers to His Holiness in the coming year from Tibetans across Europe.
Following the speeches by the two main guests of the celebration, the public was treated to performances by weekend schools and organisations in France.
In Taiwan, a grand banquet was jointly organised by the Taiwan-based Office of Tibet and the Tibetan Association at Fu-Hua Hotel in Taipei on 10 December 2024 to commemorated the 35th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The gathering also served as a year-end thank-you gathering, expressing gratitude to the Taiwanese government, the Taiwan Parliament’s Tibet Support Group, foreign embassies in Taiwan and the Taiwanese friends of Tibet for their ongoing support.
The main guests at the dinner included the spokesperson for the Taiwan Presidential Office, representatives from the Taiwan Investigation Bureau, members of the Taiwan Association for Human Rights(TAHR), representatives from the Taiwanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet, advisors to the Taiwan Presidential Office, the Taiwan Conflict Resolution, representatives from the Taiwan Tibetan Buddhism Research Association (Taiwan International Tibetan Buddhism Study Institute), the Taiwan Gelug Association, and over 150 other guests, including friends of Taiwan and Tibet.
At the event, Lii Wen, spokesperson for the Office of the President of Taiwan, delivered a speech related to the ceremony. Following this, the greetings of Taiwan’s Vice President, Xia Mei Qing’s were read out. Then, Tian Quijin, member of the Taiwan Human Rights Association, Yao Jiawen, advisor to the Office of the President of Taiwan, and Luo Wenjia, Director of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy gave speeches.
Afterwards, the Representative Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen of the Taiwan Office of Tibet, delivered a speech commemorating the occasion and expressing gratitude at the end of the year. Finally, the Tibetan singer Lhundup, based in Taiwan, performed festival-related songs. Everyone celebrated the occasion with joy and merriment, marking it as a grand commemoration.
In Belgium, Sherab Nangje Tibetan Weekend Language School in collaboration with eight Belgium organisation held an advance commemoration event in Belgium city of Antwerp on 7 December 2024.
The main guests of the event included, Secretary Thrinley Wangdue from the Office of Tibet, Brussels, Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche from the Dzogchen Gelek Palbar Ling, Metok Rinpoche from the Himalayan Dolma Buddhist Institute, Geshe Tsetan Phuntsok from Shedrup Tengye Ling, Han from the Lungta International Tibet Support Group, Director of the Karma Sonam Gyamtso Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre, and Director of Tibetan Weekend School Tenzin Jigme, along with leaders and representative of the Belgium-based eight Tibetan non-governmental organisations. Sherab Nangje Weekend Language School teachers, staff, parents and students along with large number of participants from the general public have also come together to observe the day.
After brief introduction summarising His Holiness’ noble deeds and significant contribution towards humanity by weekend school student Tenzin Metok, a group of students from Sherab Nangje Weekend School presented Nobel Peace Prize song.
Then, Sonam Tsering, the director of the Sherab Nangje Weekend Language School, greeted the guest and general public. He explained that eight Tibetan organisation in Belgium had collaborated to organise the commemoration event and further mentioned that the school staff has decided to donate 50 per cent of proceeds from the event to organising committee of the next year’s celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday as a contribution to their fund.
Following this, Secretary Thrinley Wangdue, the representative of the Office of Tibet, Brussels, addressed the audience. He began by highlighting that the globally renowned Nobel Peace Prize, whose fame has spread across the world, was awarded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 December 1989. He explained that the main reason for this prestigious award was to recognise His Holiness’s unparalleled service and his compassionate efforts in various parts of the world. It was also given to show respect and appreciation for his deeds, which benefit all sentient beings.
Secretary Thrinley Wangdue then called upon all Tibetans to unite and work together for the common good, urging them not to let regional or sectarian differences divide them.
Following this, Ranyak Paltrul Rinpoche, founder of the Dzogchen Gelek Palhar Ling Buddhist Centre in Belgium, called for the importance of Tibetan solidarity and emphasised to follow the guidance of His Holiness. In addition, Rinpoche donated 5000 euros for the weekend school of Tibetan language and culture. Similarly, Thupten Choephel, the president of Tibetan Youth Association of Belgium, also donated 1000 euros for the weekend school.
After the conclusion of the speech program, students from the Belgium Sherab Nangje Weekend School, along with representatives from the Domey Association, Chushi Gangdruk organisation, U-Tsang Association, and Lhakar Association, as well as staff member Norbu Tsering, performed traditional Tibetan songs.
Before concluding, Vice Principal of Sherab Nangje School delivered a vote of thanks.
In London, Representative Tsering Yangkey of the Office of Tibet attended celebration event in London, organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain (TCB), on 8 December at the Asian Community Centre in Southeast London.
The gathering saw Tibetans in traditional attire, invited guests, and admirers of His Holiness come together for an evening of cultural performances, games, and speeches. A quiz contest tested attendees’ knowledge of the day’s significance.
In her keynote address, Representative Yangkey emphasised His Holiness’ lifelong commitments to humanity and urged Tibetans to take individual responsibility for the Tibetan cause amid the challenges under Chinese occupation. She highlighted the importance of preserving Tibetan language by encouraging its use at home.
Asanga Vajra Sakya Rinpoche graced the event, presenting felicitation certificates to former Representative Sonam Tsering Frasi and outgoing TCB council members. Rinpoche called on attendees to embody the teachings of His Holiness in their daily lives.
Guest of Honour, Councillor Jit Ranabhat, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, praised the Tibetan community’s contributions to the borough’s diversity. He invited attendees to the upcoming Tibet flag-raising ceremony in March 2025.
TCB Chairperson Phuntsok Norbu introduced the newly elected council, reaffirming their dedication to serving the community and advancing the Tibetan cause. He outlined upcoming campaigns and events, including celebrations for His Holiness’ 90th birthday during the Year of Compassion.
The event concluded with the traditional Tibetan circle dance, gorshey, uniting attendees in a spirit of festivity and solidarity.
Similar Nobel Peace Prize celebrations were held across the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, and Poland, showcasing the enduring admiration for His Holiness and his message of peace.
In Australia’s capital Canberra, the local community gathered to mark this significant day in honour of His Holiness’ enduring legacy of compassion, nonviolence, and advocacy for oneness of humanity, which coincided with International Human Rights Day.
The event, held at the iconic Albert Hall, began with the singing of the Tibetan and Australian national anthems. Lhakpa Tsering, Secretary of the Tibet Information Office, and Dawa Sangmo, the Chinese Liaison Officer, attended the event alongside community members. During the gathering, Secretary Lhakpa Tsering delivered the Kashag’s official statement for the occasion.
The gathering featured lively cultural performances that showcased the vibrancy of Tibetan heritage. The evening culminated in a screening of the acclaimed documentary Bringing Tibet Home, organised by the community’s sub-advocacy group. This was followed by an engaging Q&A session with the local Australian audience, which focused on the pressing human rights challenges in Tibet under the current Chinese Communist Party.
Similar events were also held by the Tibetan communities in Victoria, Queensland, Sydney, Newcastle, and other regions.
