Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, March 15: The exiled spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been named the recipient of the 2025 Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Visionary Governance in recognition of his lifelong commitment to non-violence, interfaith dialogue, compassion, and environmental sustainability. The award ceremony will take place on March 31, 2025, in Dharamshala, India, where the Tibetan spiritual leader resides.
Gold Mercury International, the organization behind the prestigious award, highlighted the significance of this recognition in the year marking the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. “Gold Mercury International is privileged to bestow the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Visionary Governance upon His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. This honour comes in a historic year as His Holiness marks his 90th birthday, celebrating a lifetime of unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, interfaith dialogue, a culture of wisdom, and the protection of our planet,” the organisation stated.
“Amid rising global uncertainties in security, peaceful relations, and environmental sustainability, his teachings continue to inspire individuals, communities, and leaders to build a more just, peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world. His Holiness is a continuous champion for the protection of the rights of the Tibetan people using non-violent means following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi,” the Gold Mercury International added.
In response to the honor, the 89-year-old Tibetan leader expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I am deeply honoured to receive the Gold Mercury Award for Advancing a Culture of Peace, Non-violence, and Environmental Stewardship, symbolising our shared commitment to a more compassionate and sustainable world. This recognition reminds us of our collective responsibility to foster understanding, wisdom, and environmental harmony. My heartfelt thanks to Gold Mercury International for their dedication to these universal values,” he said.
Nicolas De Santis Cuadra, President of Gold Mercury International, praised the Dalai Lama’s enduring impact on global consciousness. “His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama’s profound Buddhist commitment to non-violence, compassion, a culture of wisdom, and the environment has transformed our global consciousness. In this milestone year of his 90th birthday, we recognise his extraordinary efforts to contribute to earth creating a planetary culture of peace, non-violence, and environmental responsibility. His message of peace, compassion, human dignity, and environmental stewardship is more vital than ever in guiding humanity toward a sustainable future,” he noted.
The Gold Mercury International Award, established in 1961, is a prestigious recognition in global governance and diplomacy. It honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to humanitarian efforts, international relations, economic development, culture, and sustainability. Past recipients include former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford for their roles in nuclear disarmament, former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat for advancing peace in the Middle East, as well as humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF and the Red Cross.
