Global Delegations Join Central Tibetan Administration to Mark 36 Years of Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on Wednesday observed the 36th anniversary of the Dalai Lama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, bringing together a wide array of international delegations from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Chile, the Czech Republic, France and Italy.

The Dalai Lama did not attend the ceremony, as he has travelled from McLeodganj to the Mundgod Tibetan Settlement in Karnataka, where he will stay for at least six weeks. He is also scheduled to visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe on January 5.

In McLeodganj, the commemoration opened with the Tibetan and Indian national anthems, followed by a special song marking the occasion. Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivered the Kashag’s statement, reflecting on the global significance of the Dalai Lama’s teachings on non-violence, compassion and universal responsibility.

A large Czech delegation—led by Senate Vice President Jitka Seitlová and comprising senators, parliamentarians, senior officials, academics, journalists and long-time Tibet supporters—was among the most prominent groups in attendance, accompanied by CTA representative Thinley Chukki. Speakers highlighted the enduring bond between Tibet and the Czech Republic, strengthened by the friendship between the Dalai Lama and former Czech President Václav Havel.

Australia was represented by Senator Barbara Pocock, MP Kate Chaney and MP Sarah Jane Witty, while MPs Greg Fleming and Duncan Webb formed the New Zealand delegation. Fiji MP Virendra Lal attended on behalf of his country, accompanied by CTA representative Karma Singey and members of the Australia Tibet Council.

Chile sent a high-level delegation led by Senator-elect Vlado Mirosevic, joined by deputies and members of the Chilean Friends of Tibet. French MP Samantha Cazebonne and Italian Tibet supporters Guenther Cologna and Lucy Battu represented Europe.

Speakers from each country reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Tibetan cause and praised the Dalai Lama’s moral leadership. Fiji’s Virendra Lal reflected on the Dalai Lama’s resilience, while New Zealand MP Greg Fleming stressed the importance of safeguarding Tibetan language and culture. French MP Samantha Cazebonne underscored the universal relevance of the Dalai Lama’s message of empathy and dialogue.

Chile’s Vlado Mirosevic condemned ongoing human rights violations in Tibet, including restrictions on religious freedom and the forced assimilation of Tibetan children. Australian Senator Barbara Pocock called for an end to the colonial boarding school system in Tibet and expressed solidarity with Tibetans enduring repression.

Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel also delivered a statement on behalf of the Tibetan community and its elected representatives. The event concluded with the launch of a new book by Kunchok Tsering and a pictorial volume introducing children to Tibetan democracy.

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