Voices of the World: Global Leaders on the 14th Dalai Lama
Revered not only as a spiritual figure but also as a moral leader on the world stage, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has earned deep respect from heads of state, Nobel laureates, and international dignitaries across cultures and political divides. Celebrated for his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, human dignity, and universal compassion, His Holiness is often described as a rare voice of wisdom in our troubled times.
Throughout decades of exile, His Holiness has met with hundreds of global leaders—offering not political strategy, but moral clarity, empathy, and hope. Here are reflections from some of the world’s most prominent figures:
“We have given refuge to a great spiritual personality and to a people whose traditions are deeply linked with our own. The Dalai Lama is not only a religious leader but a symbol of a civilization that has enriched Asia.”
– Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, 1959
“His Holiness is a messenger of peace, whose presence on Indian soil has added a sacred dimension to our cultural and spiritual landscape.”
– Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister of India, 2005
“The Dalai Lama represents the harmony of science and spirituality. His words are a light for the youth of the world.”
– Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, 2007
“I want to offer a special welcome to a good friend, His Holiness the Dalai Lama – who is a powerful example of what it means to practice compassion, who inspires us to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings.”
– U.S. President Barack Obama, February 5, 2015
“When you spend time with him, you realize that there is something unusual about him… He was courageous in the defense of liberty and understands that freedom means peace, and he is a man of peace.”
– Former US President George W. Bush, May 10, 2011
“He speaks with quiet strength, a strength that comes from deep moral conviction and spiritual depth. The world needs voices like his now more than ever.”
– Angela Merkel, Former Chancellor of Germany, 2014
“His Holiness embodies the best of humanity: a tireless advocate for peace and a shining example of the power of faith in action.”
– Jimmy Carter, former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Laureate, 2006
“In a divided world, the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to nonviolence and reconciliation is a guidepost we cannot afford to ignore.”
– Emmanuel Macron, President of France (on the Dalai Lama’s role in global peace)
“The Dalai Lama’s first visit [to the Czech Republic] was, to my mind, a very important event for many people and for the country. … the Dalai Lama had, for some time, brought a light into our environment.”
– Vaclav Havel, Former President of the Czech Republic
“I admire him enormously. … But I always say to people, after being in exile over 50 years how many would show the same serenity, the same joy, and the eagerness to spread goodness and compassion in the world.”
– Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate and Archbishop Emeritus
