July 3, 2025: Hollywood icon Richard Gere is in Dharamshala ahead of the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations, where he addressed the International Tibet Youth Forum on Thursday. The event, filled with young Tibetans from around the world, marks a significant moment in the ongoing global support for Tibetan culture and freedom.
Gere, who also serves as the Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet, spoke passionately about the enduring strength of Tibetan identity and the importance of compassion in the face of adversity.“This is not a one-lifetime commitment—this is many lifetimes of commitment,” Gere told reporters. “Tibetans have been highly abused for decades by the Chinese Communist Party. But peace and compassion are for everyone. We can talk to each other—we don’t have to fight.”
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The forum, which runs from July 3 to July 5, brings together around 100 Tibetan youth from 15 countries. It aims to equip the next generation with advocacy tools and knowledge from elders who have long fought for Tibetan freedom.
Dukten Kyi, joint secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), told ANI, “This is the third International Tibet Youth Forum since 2023. We bring together youth to learn from senior leaders and trainers—discussing how to carry the Tibetan advocacy forward globally.”
A video message from the Dalai Lama, recorded in 2023, was also played at the event, focusing on compassion as the cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
Gere, who has long been a supporter of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause, shared emotional reflections at Nechung Monastery, saying:“We’re here to celebrate His Holiness’s 90th birthday, his good health, and strength. Nechung is very close to me—and my son. He’s been to my home in the U.S. and has a deep connection with our family.”
Though the Dalai Lama’s birthday falls on July 6, festivities began on June 30, as per the Tibetan calendar, drawing spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers from around the globe.
Richard Gere’s presence added to the emotional and symbolic weight of the event, reinforcing his long-standing solidarity with the Tibetan people.