Geneva: On 13 September 2025, Representative Thinlay Chukki virtually addressed the Tibet Festival held at the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute, organised in collaboration with the Buddhist and Italian Union (UBI), the Italy-Tibet Association, and the Tibetan Community in Italy. The three-day festival, from 12–14 September, celebrated the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration’s “Year of Compassion.”

In his written message to the festival, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude to the institute and its supporters for promoting Tibetan culture, noting:

“The programs that you will be holding over the three days of the festival will provide those attending with a greater understanding of our rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage. As a culture of peace and compassion I believe it has great potential to contribute towards the betterment of humanity at large.”

The panel discussion, “Dalai Lama: The Politics of Compassion,” featured Senator Andrea De Priamo, President of Italy-Tibet Parliamentary Intergroup; Venerable Massimo Stordi, President of Sangha Lhungtok Choekhorling Monastic Association and Sangha ETS Foundation; Claudio Cardelli, President of Italy-Tibet Association; and Representative Thinlay Chukki. The session was moderated by Lucia Landi, President of the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute.

The opening remarks were delivered by festival curator Manuela Ferro. Elisabetta Giannetti, the Board Councilor of Lama Tzong Khapa Institute addressed on behalf of  Ilenia Malavasi, the Vice President of the Italy-Tibet Parliamentary Intergroup. Valerio Tallarico, the Director of Lama Tzong Khapa Institute, conveyed greetings from Mayor Giamila Carli of Santa Luce and Nyima Dhondup, Vice President of Tibetan Community in Italy.

In her address, Representative Thinlay Chukki thanked the organisers and highlighted the UN communication urging China to cease interference in the religious freedom of Tibetans. She called on Italian lawmakers to join their European counterparts in passing resolutions affirming Tibetans’ right to choose their own religious leader including the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She concluded with a heartfelt wish: “that soon all will be able to reunite in front of the Potala in Lhasa, Tibet, and receive teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

Senator De Priamo reviewed the activities of the Italy-Tibet Intergroup, including nine events hosted in the Senate over the past three years. He expressed intent to propose a parliamentary motion on recognising the next Dalai Lama.

Claudio Cardelli outlined the history of the Italy-Tibet Association, which was founded in 1988. He also reflected on the Dalai Lama’s enduring commitment to dialogue and nonviolence, even through challenges leading up to his political retirement in 2011.

Venerable Massimo Stordi emphasised that political and humanitarian support for Tibet complements Buddhist practice, rather than opposing it.

The gathering reaffirmed the relevance of compassion as both a personal and political principle, underlining its transformative role in building dialogue, empathy, and peace in a divided world.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva