Imagine a World of Courage and Compassion

Yesterday evening I had the privilege to speak at the ACT Tibetan community celebration of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It was joyous but poignant. While we openly celebrated in Canberra, I was reminded that millions of Tibetans must do so secretly to avoid persecution in their homeland.

My connection with Tibet began more than three decades ago, when, as a young and junior diplomat, I met Tibetan representatives discreetly due to Australia’s cautious approach to China. They awakened me to the injustices faced in Tibet, and introduced me to values of courage and compassion deeply embodied by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Later, while posted in China, I met my friend and adopted Tibetan brother. Tsultrim is a monk and came to Australia as a refugee. Through him, I’ve learned that courage and compassion are not just ideals - they’re practices lived every day through kindness, patience, acceptance, and resilience.

In my speech at last night's event, I shared some "Imagine…" reflections:

• Imagine if global leaders truly embraced courage and compassion in every decision they made.

• Imagine if Australia’s government had the courage to speak openly against oppression faced by Tibetans, Uyghurs, and the genocide occurring in Gaza.

• Imagine a world free of nuclear and chemical weapons, where compassion triumphs over fear.

• Imagine climate policy rooted not in suspicion, but in compassion for our shared future.

• Imagine human rights honoured not as empty promises, but as courageous actions.

• Imagine a world free from corruption because leaders act with integrity, courage, and compassion.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama doesn’t just imagine such a world - he dedicates every day of his life to creating it. As we celebrated his life last night, the message was clear: we all have the power to choose courage and compassion.

If you share these values, one practical step is to support the Australia Tibet Council, which advocates tirelessly for Tibet's freedom and human rights. Join or donate here.

Together, let's not just imagine - let’s act.

Tashi Delek - that's Tibetan for "auspiciousness and good fortune"!

My friend Tsultrim dedicated a Khata (white scarf) to the Dalai Lama.