Edinburgh: Representative Tsering Yangkey of the Office of Tibet in London delivered the Time for Reflection address at the Scottish Parliament on 3 March 2026, just before the parliamentary session commenced. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama previously delivered the Time for Reflection address in 2004.

Time for Reflection is the first item of business in the parliamentary week and lasts for up to four minutes. It provides Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) with an opportunity to come together in quiet reflection before the Parliament’s formal proceedings begin, and is intended to offer an inclusive and positive moment for all.

Representative Yangkey was nominated to deliver the address by MSP Ross Greer, Chair of the Cross-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. The nomination was accepted and warmly welcomed by the Presiding Officer, Hon Alison Johnstone.

In her address, Representative Yangkey reflected on the importance of compassion and its relevance in today’s world. She emphasised that every individual—particularly world leaders—should consider shifting their focus from purely material development towards spiritual and ethical development. She noted that only through compassion, empathy, and mutual understanding can humanity hope to create a better future for all living beings.

Following the parliamentary session, Representative Yangkey participated in a meet-and-greet with the Presiding Officer, the Deputy Presiding Officer, and other Members of the Scottish Parliament.

Later that evening, Representative Yangkey addressed the final meeting of the Cross-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, which was convened primarily to mark the upcoming 90th birthday of His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. Guests included representatives from Interfaith Scotland, Taiwan in Scotland, Scottish Hongkongers, Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery, the Tibetan Buddhist Centre, as well as members of the local Tibetan and Buddhist communities.

– Report filed by Office of Tibet, London