The Dalai Lama received the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability 2025 at his residence in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Nicolas De Santis, President and Secretary General of Gold Mercury International, presented the award, recognizing his lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, education, and human rights.
Santis praised the Dalai Lama’s leadership, highlighting his advocacy for non-violence, human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and environmental protection. He noted that the Tibetan spiritual leader had warned about climate change long before it became a global concern. “Your Holiness, you have defended the rights of the Tibetan people through non-violent means and are also a global voice for sustainability,” Santis stated.
Gold Mercury International honors visionary leaders shaping the future with courage and integrity, Santis said, adding that the Dalai Lama’s teachings will continue guiding future generations toward a peaceful world.
Meanwhile, China considers the Dalai Lama a “separatist” and insists on selecting his successor. However, the 89-year-old spiritual leader has dismissed any successor appointed by China. Reports from human rights groups indicate that China suppresses Tibetan culture, religion, and freedoms through heavy surveillance and forced assimilation.