Milan: The Tibetan Community of Italy and Italian friends of Tibet gathered at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (an international network of Gelugpa dharma centres) in Pomaia on 5 and 6 July 2025 to commemorate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Sangay Kyab, the Chinese Liaison Officer for European Countries from Tibet Bureau in Geneva attended the celebration as its chief guest, representing the Tibet Bureau.

On the first day, a photo exhibition titled ‘Dalai Lama and Tibet’ was inaugurated. The chief guest expressed appreciation to the Tibetan Community of Italy for their consistent collaboration with the Tibet Bureau in past initiatives and programmes and called for continued dedications in the future.

He went on to say, “Seeing so many young generations of Tibetans among us today is heartening. Yet, in the face of the absence of dedicated Tibetan language and cultural schools in Italy—due to various challenges—it becomes even more crucial for parents to step up. Parents must take on the vital role of passing down our rich traditions, language, and cultural heritage to ensure the survival of our Tibetan identity in exile.”

Later that evening, a panel discussion on Italian translation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s recent work, “Voice of the Voiceless” was held in the presence of Director of the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa Lucia Landi, President of the Tibetan Community of Italy Nyima Dhondup, Professor with tenure in Law and Religion at the University of Siena Marco Ventura, and Chinese Liaison Officer Sangay Kyab.

On the following day, more than 300 Tibetans and foreigners gathered to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday in a marquee. The event was organised jointly by the Tibetan Community of Italy and the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, featuring a variety of customary observances as well as vibrant cultural performances.

-Report filed by Tibet Bureau Geneva