Issue - meetings

By Councillor McNeese-Mechan - Dalai Lama

“Council notes that the last visit of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama to Edinburgh took place in 2004, when he was welcomed by the then Lord Provost.

Also notes that the Dalai Lama, also known as Tenzin Gyatso, is approaching his 89^th birthday on 6^th July.

Notes that in addition to being the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhist faith, the Dalai Lama is an internationally recognised figure for his work in supporting efforts towards peace and reconciliation, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Council therefore asks the Lord Provost to write to the office of the Dalai Lama and extend the city’s wishes for his good health on the occasion of his birthday.

Council further asks that the Lord Provost liaise with the Edinburgh Interfaith Association and the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace to explore the feasibility of inviting the Dalai Lama to make a return visit to the city for events centred on striving for peace in turbulent times.

Such events may include but are not limited to offering opportunities for schoolchildren to meet and ask questions of the Dalai Lama, and a public talk at the Usher Hall on the spiritual leader’s visions for peace as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21^st century.”