Switzerland: A Ghoton ceremony commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama was held at the Italian Parliament, attended by Representative Thinlay Chukki of the Tibet Bureau in Geneva. The event was joined by members of the Italian Parliament, long-time supporters of Tibet, and members of the Italian Tibetan community.

The ceremony began around 12 afternoon in a hall of the Parliament, where dignitaries including Andrea de Priamo, Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, Ilenia Malavasi, Luciano Nobili, Fausto Sparacino, and Piero Verni, along with the Italian Tibetan Association delegate Delek and other friends of Tibet, gathered for a simple yet meaningful observance.

During the ceremony, members of the Italian Parliament delivered speeches highlighting the significance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s global moral leadership and his longstanding relationship with Italy. A short film was screened, chronicling His Holiness’s visits to Italy since 1973. The film featured a series of historic photographs capturing moments of His Holiness’s interactions with prominent Italian figures, underscoring the deep ties between His Holiness and the Italian people.

The Italy-Tibet Friendship Association also launched a commemorative book during the event. Additionally, a special video message from Jetsun Pema, sister of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, was presented, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the celebration.

During the ceremony, Swiss Representative Thinlay Chukki delivered a speech, extending greetings and best wishes to members of the Italian Parliament, friends of Tibet, and fellow Tibetans through the event.

She shared the joyful news that on 2 July, His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced his decision to continue the lineage of the Dalai Lama, calling it a meaningful and uplifting message during this auspicious time.

Representative Thinlay also highlighted recent developments at the United Nations, where two side events were held regarding the issue of His Holiness’s reincarnation. She noted that the Chinese government continues to claim legal authority over the recognition of reincarnations. In response, His Holiness remarked humorously in his recent autobiography that if the Chinese government is so concerned about reincarnation, they should begin by recognising the reincarnations of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

She further pointed out that in Tibet, even possessing a photo of His Holiness is prohibited, and over 160 Tibetans have self-immolated, calling for the return of His Holiness to Tibet. Given this reality, she stated, it is meaningless for the Chinese communist government—which actively suppresses such aspirations—to claim any authority over the recognition of His Holiness’s reincarnation.

The morning event concluded at 1:30 p.m. with closing remarks delivered by Delek, a delegate from the Italian Tibetan Association.

Later, on the evening of 7 July, Swiss Representative Thinlay Chukki held a separate meeting with officials from the Italian Tibet Support Group. The meeting involved in-depth discussions on various matters related to Tibet advocacy work.

– Report Filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva