The Dalai Lama received the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability 2025 in recognition of his decades-long commitment to environmental advocacy, human rights, and world peace. Gold Mercury International President and Secretary General Nicolas De Santis gave the award at his home in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The Tibetan spiritual leader’s steadfast dedication to ecological stewardship, interfaith understanding, and non-violence was commended by de Santis.
De Santis emphasized the Dalai Lama’s impact, characterizing him as a leader whose teachings continue to affect a world that is more moral and peaceful. The Dalai Lama’s efforts to foster peace and moral leadership were recognized by Gold Mercury International, an organization that honors worldwide leadership in sustainability and governance. De Santis emphasized that leaders who exhibit honesty and vision in creating a brighter future are honored with this award.
Although the Dalai Lama is well-known throughout the world, China still views him as a “separatist” and maintains that it will choose his successor. However, the 89-year-old leader has turned down Beijing’s choice for a successor. According to human rights organizations, Tibetans are subject to harsh limitations under Chinese governance, including as heightened surveillance, religious control, and cultural repression. Living in exile since 1959, the Dalai Lama continues to support Tibetan autonomy through nonviolent means while advancing a more comprehensive vision of sustainability and compassion on a global scale.
