A Global Honour for Compassion, Non-Violence, and Environmental Stewardship
Gold Mercury International, a renowned global governance think tank, has announced His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, as the recipient of the Gold Mercury Award® 2025. This prestigious award recognises his lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, and sustainability, values that remain vital in today’s world.
With this recognition, the Dalai Lama sends a message to world leaders, urging them to embrace global unity, cooperation, and environmental responsibility. At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and climate challenges, his vision of a more peaceful and sustainable world offers a guiding light.
Dalai Lama’s Message: A Shared Responsibility for a Better Future
In response to the award, His Holiness expressed deep gratitude, stating: “I am truly grateful to be recognised with the Gold Mercury Award for promoting peace, non-violence, and environmental responsibility. This recognition symbolises our shared commitment to a more compassionate and sustainable world. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to foster understanding, wisdom, and environmental harmony.”
For decades, the Dalai Lama has championed a philosophy of kindness, non-violence, and interconnectedness, rooted in Buddhist teachings. His advocacy for tolerance, ethical leadership, and environmental protection has influenced global discussions on human rights and sustainability. His work extends beyond his role as the spiritual leader of Tibet, reaching people of all faiths and backgrounds, encouraging them to cultivate inner peace as a foundation for global harmony.
His Holiness believes that true peace begins within each individual, and from there, it can spread to families, communities, and eventually the entire world. He has consistently urged world leaders to adopt policies based on mutual respect, dialogue, and ethical responsibility rather than conflict and division.
The Tibetan Plateau: A Crucial Environmental Focus
His Holiness has passionately championed the preservation of the Tibetan Plateau, a region known as the world’s “Third Pole” for its immense freshwater resources. As the source of Asia’s major rivers, this region plays a critical role in maintaining global climate stability. The Dalai Lama has consistently emphasised the need to safeguard Tibet’s fragile ecosystem, warning that its degradation could have devastating effects on the planet’s biodiversity and water security.
He has called on governments, scientists, and environmental organisations to collaborate in protecting this vital region, highlighting the direct link between ecological balance and human survival. His advocacy for sustainability aligns with the growing global movement to address climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity.
Gold Mercury International: Recognising Global Changemakers
Gold Mercury International has a long history of honouring visionary leaders who contribute to global progress. Nicolas De Santis Cuadra, President of Gold Mercury International, highlighted the Dalai Lama’s impact, stating: “His Holiness’s profound commitment to peace, non-violence, and environmental stewardship has shaped global consciousness. His teachings on inner peace, sincerity, and wisdom are more relevant than ever in today’s divided world.”
The Gold Mercury Award is not just an honour but a recognition of those who actively work towards a better future. Past recipients have included leaders, thinkers, and activists who have made significant contributions in governance, sustainability, and humanitarian efforts.
A Historic Celebration in Dharamsala
The Gold Mercury Award Ceremony will take place on 31st March 2025 in Dharamsala, India, where the Dalai Lama has lived in exile since 1959. The event will bring together global dignitaries, environmentalists, humanitarians, and spiritual leaders to celebrate his enduring contributions to a better world.
The ceremony will not only honour His Holiness’s legacy of peace and sustainability but will also serve as a platform for discussions on global cooperation, climate action, and the future of ethical leadership. It is expected to inspire further efforts towards a more peaceful and environmentally responsible world.
This award serves as a powerful reminder that leadership grounded in compassion, wisdom, and sustainability can create meaningful change. Through his work, the Dalai Lama continues to inspire generations to build a world that values peace, cooperation, and respect for nature.