Dalai Lama honoured with 2025 Gold Mercury Award for peace, sustainability

Gold Mercury International, the global governance think tank, has awarded the 2025 Gold Mercury Award to His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to peace, non-violence, compassion, and environmental sustainability.

This year’s award is particularly significant as it coincides with the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, marking a momentous celebration of his enduring influence on global peace and cooperation.

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At a time of rising global tensions, conflict and environmental challenges, this award honours His Holiness’ unwavering leadership in promoting peace, non-violence, wisdom culture, and environmental stewardship.

“Compassion and concern for others are the keys to human survival. They are relevant to anyone, whether believer or non-believer, who wishes to live a happy life,” said Tenzin Gyatso, the Dalai Lama.

Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, His Holiness emphasises reverence for all living beings and the deep interdependence between humanity and nature.

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As a global symbol of non-violence and advocate for the rights of the Tibetan people and the protection of their ecological environment, he continues to inspire individuals, communities and leaders to foster a more just, peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world.

His philosophy of peace and compassion are built upon the principle of Universal Responsibility, as reflected in his Four Main Commitments in life: promoting human values, fostering religious harmony, preserving Tibet’s spiritual heritage and environment, and advancing ancient wisdom culture in education.

“Compassion and concern for others are the keys to human survival. They are relevant to anyone, whether believer or non-believer, who wishes to live a happy life,” the Dalai Lama stated.

Nicolas De Santis Cuadra, President of Gold Mercury International, highlighted the Dalai Lama’s profound influence.

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“His Holiness’s unwavering commitment to non-violence, wisdom, and environmental stewardship has profoundly shaped global consciousness,” said De Santis Cuadra. “His teachings remind us that achieving peace in the world begins with achieving peace within ourselves.”

The Dalai Lama has also been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation, particularly the Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the world’s “Third Pole” due to its vast freshwater reserves. As the source of Asia’s major rivers, its protection is vital for both regional stability and global climate security.

The Gold Mercury Award Ceremony will take place on 31 March 2025 in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama’s residence in the Himalayan region. The event will be a momentous tribute to his life, legacy, and continued influence on global peace efforts.

Founded in 1961, Gold Mercury International is a global governance think tank dedicated to advancing peace and international cooperation. The Gold Mercury Awards are the first global accolades for Visionary Governance, recognising exceptional contributions to peace, diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, economic development, science, culture, and sustainability.

Past recipients include former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford for nuclear disarmament diplomacy, former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat for Middle East peace efforts, Prof. Robert Gallo, co-discoverer of HIV as the cause of AIDS, as well as UNICEF and the Red Cross for humanitarian work.