Brussels, 2 July 2025: The Office of Tibet, Brussels, hosted a reception at the Concert Noble, a historic and prestigious venue located in the heart of the European Quarter, to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In an atmosphere brimming with reverence, joy and cultural pride, the event brought together hundreds of distinguished guests, including Ambassadors, Members of European and National Parliaments, high-level EU officials, representative of Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mayors, President of Buddhist Union, Journalists, Parliamentary Assistants, representatives of Tibet Support Groups and Tibetan Associations in a heartfelt tribute to His Holiness’s extraordinary life and legacy.

This milestone occasion honoured not only the personal journey of a spiritual leader but also the enduring values of compassion, peace, and nonviolence that His Holiness has exemplified for nearly a century.

The event started with an invocation for His Holiness’s health and long life, led by Tibetan Buddhist monks. This was followed by Representative Rigzin Genkhang offering offering traditional white scarf to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait followed by Tibetan attendees to offer their respect and gratitude.

The celebration was graced by an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers who paid homage to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s profound impact on humanity and his message of peace, compassion and non-violence. Among them were Professor Hans-Gert Pöttering, Former President of the European Parliament, Professor Petra De Sutter, Rector of the University of Ghent and Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium until recently and Professor Dainius Zalimas, Co-President of the Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the European Parliament.

Representative Rigzin Genkhang, in her moving welcoming speech, expressed deep appreciation to all who joined in honouring His Holiness’ life of extraordinary courage, wisdom and boundless compassion, a life that from its very beginning has been dedicated to the service of humanity. She chronicled key moments in the life of His Holiness from his early teens when he was forced to assume 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.

“Our story in exile would have been very different had we not had a visionary leader like His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, continued Representative Genkhang.

Representative Genkhang also expressed gratitude to the unwavering support of friends and allies, notably the European Union, in the long journey of the peaceful Tibetan freedom struggle. She then conveyed the core message of His Holiness’ statement released earlier during the day, affirming the continuation of the Institution of the Dalai Lama.

Special guests Professor Dainius Zalimas and Professor De Sutter both paid tribute to His Holiness’ unparalleled contribution to world peace, his life-long commitment to human rights and democratic values and an emotional reflection on spiritual legacy.

Guest of Honour President Pöttering commended His Holiness’ unwavering dedication to peace and dialogue, emphasising his ability to bridge divides in a polarised world. He also recalled His Holiness’ visit to the European Parliament in December 2008 when he was the sitting President and his other meetings, especially the one in November 2023 in Dharamsala.

Each speech was met with deep applause, reflecting the universal appeal of His Holiness’ message.

Following the formal function, the guests were treated to an authentic traditional Tibetan cultural performance led by local artist Norbu Tsering la and troupe, creating a festive atmosphere.

Hundreds of quotes from His Holiness were displayed throughout the evening on a projector accompanying the exhibition. Guests were also invited to get their names or any other words of their choice calligraphed in Tibetan. This year, exceptionally, the guests were treated to an array of authentic Tibetan dishes.

The reception was marked by engaging conversations, delightful refreshments and a shared admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his contributions.

As the evening drew to a close, one sentiment was universally shared: the enduring legacy of the Dalai Lama is not only in his teachings but in the lives he has touched, the causes he has championed, and the timeless values he continues to embody.

As part of the official 90th birthday celebrations, the Office of Tibet Brussels launched an ambitious and deeply moving virtual tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90-year journey, featuring his quotes in the Brussels public transportation system.

-Report filed by Bureau du Tibet, Brussels