Brussels, 2 July 2026: The Office of Tibet, Brussels, hosted a distinguished reception at the Sovay Library, a prestigious heritage venue located in the heart of the European Quarter, to celebrate the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, bringing together friends and supporters of Tibet from Belgium and across Europe.

In an atmosphere brimming with reverence, joy and cultural pride, the celebration was attended by distinguished guests, including Ambassadors, Members of European and National Parliaments, high-level EU officials, Mayors, President of Buddhist Union, Journalists, Parliamentary Assistants, representatives of civil society organisations, community leaders and friends of Tibet in a heartfelt tribute to His Holiness’s extraordinary life.

The event started with an invocation for His Holiness’s health and long life, led by visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks from Gyumed Tantric University and Belgium based monks. This was followed by Representative Rigzin Genkhang offering traditional white scarf to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to pay her respect and express her heartfelt devotion and gratitude. Local Tibetan community leaders were likewise invited to offer khatas.

Welcoming the guests, Rigzin Genkhang, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration, expressed deep appreciation to all who joined in honoring His Holiness’ life of extraordinary courage, wisdom and boundless compassion. She highlighted key moments in the life of His Holiness from his early teens when he assumed political leadership of a nation in crisis, to his far-sighted vision and leadership of fully democratising the Tibetan system of governance, to his international engagements as a global ambassador of peace.

“In gifting us democracy, one of the greatest gifts a leader can bestow, His Holiness gave us far more than a political system. He gave us a moral compass, ensuring that the Tibetan cause would endure not through the authority of one individual, but through the collective strength of a free and fully informed people”, continued Representative Genkhang.

In her address, Representative Genkhang also expressed the Tibetan people’s deep gratitude to the European Union for its longstanding support, and in particular to the European Parliament, for its principled and consistent engagement on Tibet. She acknowledged the central role of the Parliament in advocating for the rights of the Tibetan people, recalling its historic decision in 1988 to become to first Parliament in Europe to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to address its plenary session, culminating in its recent resolution of 30 April, which reaffirmed its principled support for the protection of Tibet’s cultural identity, human rights and religious freedom.

The evening was graced by keynote addresses from Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, former President of the European Parliament, and Prof. Dainius Zalimas, Co-Chair, Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the European Parliament. Both speakers paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to world peace, democratic values and huma rights, while reaffirming their support for the Tibetan people and the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue.

President Pöttering recalled his different encounters with His Holiness, including the most recent meeting in March 2026, which he described as a deeply meaningful experience. He paid tribute to His Holiness as one of the most principled and respected leaders he has ever had the privilege to meet.

The gathering also marked the conclusion of the Year of Compassion, proclaimed by the Central Tibetan Administration to commemorate His Holiness’ 90th birthday. Guests reflected on his extraordinary contributions to promoting universal values, interfaith harmony, environmental responsibility and democratic governance within the Tibetan community in exile.

A special feature of this year’s celebration was the construction of a traditional Tibetan sand mandala by visiting monks from Gyumed Tantric University. Throughout the evening, guests observed the meticulous creation of the sacred mandala, a profound symbol of compassion, wisdom, and the impermanent nature of life.

The cultural program featured traditional Tibetan songs by local artist Norbu Tsering, highlighting the richness of Tibet’s unique cultural heritage and creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Guests were also treated to a selection of Tibetan cuisine.

The celebration was not only an occasion to honor the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama but also a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship between the Tibetan people and their supporters in Europe. It reflected the international community’s continued commitment to preserving Tibet’s distinct cultural and spiritual heritage and to upholding the universal values that His Holiness has championed throughout his life.

The Office of Tibet extends its sincere appreciation to all the distinguished guests who honoured the celebration with their presence and to everyone whose support contributed to the success of this memorable occasion.

– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels