Gold Mercury International, the well-known global governance think tank, has awarded its Gold Mercury Award 2025 to His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama for advancing a culture of peace, compassion and sustainability.
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.
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.
“His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s profound commitment to non-violence, compassion, a culture of wisdom, and environmental stewardship has profoundly shaped our global consciousness, and is rooted in our ability to achieve inner peace, wholeheartedness, and sincerity. This is why it is so relevant today,” said Nicolas De Santis Cuadra, President of Gold Mercury International.
His Holiness’s work and message of global cooperation also highlight the ecological significance of the Tibetan Plateau—often called the world’s “Third Pole” due to its vast freshwater reserves. As the source of Asia’s major rivers, it holds the largest store of fresh water outside the Arctic and Antarctic, underscoring the urgent need for its protection to ensure the stability of the region and the planet.
The Gold Mercury Award Ceremony will be held in Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama in the Indian Himalayan region, on 31st March 2025, to honour His Holiness in a momentous celebration of his life and legacy.
Founded in 1961, Gold Mercury International is a global governance think tank dedicated to advancing peace and international cooperation.
Past recipients of the Gold Mercury Award include U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford for their diplomatic efforts on nuclear disarmament, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, Prof. Robert Gallo for discovering the HIV virus as the cause of AIDS and humanitarian organisations like UNICEF and the Red Cross.
