Washington DC: A pre-celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday was held at the United States Capitol on 25 June 2025.
The event was jointly organised by the Office of Tibet in Washington, D.C., the International Campaign for Tibet, and the Capital Area Tibetan Association. It coincided with the annual Tibet Lobby Day, which takes place on June 24–25. This year’s Lobby Day saw the participation of 180 Tibetan youths from 24 different states across the U.S.
Distinguished members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Rep. Michael McCaul, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Jim McGovern, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, and Rep. Michael Baumgartner, graced the celebration. Tibetan attendees included Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup, Tibetan Parliamentarian Tenzing Jigme, executive members of the Tibetan Association of Washington, staff from the Office of Tibet and the International Campaign for Tibet, as well as participants of the Tibet Lobby Day.
In their respective addresses, Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Jim McGovern, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi highlighted the Chinese Communist Party’s continued implementation of repressive policies inside Tibet. They acknowledged His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s compassionate response and unwavering commitment to a non-violent resolution of the Tibet-China conflict through unconditional dialogue. The lawmakers also emphasised the historic enactment of the Resolve Tibet Act into U.S. legislation last year. Additionally, they acknowledged the successful introduction of a bipartisan resolution to designate 6 July 2025, as “A Day of Compassion” in honour of His Holiness’ birthday and as a gesture of solidarity with Tibet and the Tibetan people.
The Representatives also pledged continued advocacy for Tibetan cause, including working to resolve recent challenges related to USAID funding that have affected Tibetan administration and communities in exile. They reaffirmed the deep and enduring friendship between the United States and the Tibetan people and commended His Holiness’ selfless service to humanity.
Although unable to attend in person, Senators Todd Young and Jacky Rosen sent heartfelt birthday letters, which were read by two young Tibetans. A special video message was also played during the event, featuring longtime Tibet supporter and renowned actor Richard Gere, as well as Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, both offering warm birthday wishes to His Holiness.
The program included a moving performance by Tibetan youth, singing a chorus in honour of His Holiness, and a video screening of His Holiness’ reflections on birthday celebrations, recorded during his visit to Washington, D.C., 14 years ago.
Representative Namgyal Choedup of the Office of Tibet expressed profound gratitude to the attending Members of Congress and their staff for their continued and unwavering support of the Tibetan cause. He emphasised the deeper meaning of this celebration, which honours His Holiness’ steadfast advocacy for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China conflict, even amid ongoing repression in Tibet. He also extended appreciation for the bipartisan effort to recognise 6 July 2025 as “A Day of Compassion” in support of the Central Tibetan Administration’s declaration of observing a “Year of Compassion”, scheduled from 6 July 2025 to 6 July 2026.
