The Legacy of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama in a Contested World

Join us at the University of Westminster, for an international conference that brings together leading scholars, spiritual leaders, and policy experts to reflect on the legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This unique event will explore the Dalai Lama’s contributions to global compassion, interfaith dialogue, Tibetan Buddhism, and the geopolitics of reincarnation.

Hosted by the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD), this day-long gathering will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, and reflections from figures across academic, religious, and other public spheres.

Whether you are a student and scholar of international relations, a practitioner of Buddhism, or simply curious about the intersection of spirituality and politics, this conference offers a rare opportunity to engage with timely and timeless questions relating to one of the most prominent global icons.

• Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
• Location: University of Westminster, Central London Campus
• Hosted by: Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD)

• Morning session on Compassion and Interfaith Harmony
• Midday panel on Buddhism in the Himalayas
• Afternoon sessions on Reincarnation and Geopolitics
• Networking breaks and lunch provided

The Programme

0900-0930: Arrival, Onsite registration and tea/coffee

0930-0945: Welcome to the University; Opening Remarks from Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Employability), University of Westminster

0945-1130: Celebrating the legacy of the 14th Dalai Lama for Compassion and Interfaith Religious Harmony

Moderator: Professor Dibyesh Anand (University of Westminster)

Rep. Tsering Yangkey (Office of Tibet, London), “Four Principal Commitments of the Dalai Lama”

Fr Dom Laurence Freeman OSB (The World Community of Christian Meditation), “The Common Ground of Religion and Dialogue as the Basis of Harmony between Religions”

Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi (The Institute of Ismaili Studies), “The Dalai Lama and the Dynamics of Dialogue”

Dr Desmond Biddulph CBE (President of the Buddhist Society of United Kingdom), “Role of the Dalai Lama in promoting Interfaith & Religious Harmony”

Lady Mohini Kent Noon (Global Envoy in the UK of the International Buddhist Confederation), “His Holiness The Dalai Lama: An Ocean of Compassion & Wisdom”

1130-1145: Tea Break

1145-1245: Buddhism in the Himalayas and the Dalai Lama

Moderator: Professor Nitasha Kaul (University of Westminster)

Kalu Rinpoche, Shangpa Kagyu Lineage Holder of Tibetan Buddhism

1245-1330: Lunch Break

1330-1500: Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism: Historical Perspectives

Moderator: Dr Tsering Topgyal (University of Birmingham)

Dr Cameron Warner (Aarhus University) “Who chose the Dalai Lama in the past? Historical Patterns and Emergent Trends”

Charles Manson (Tibetan Literature Collection at Bodleian Libraries, Oxford), “Origins & Continuity: Genesis of The Reincarnate Lama Tradition of Tibet”

Dr Martin Mills (Aberdeen University), “Chenrezig lineage from Sontsen Gampo to the Dalai Lamas”

1500-1515: Tea Break

1515-1645 The Dalai Lama: Reincarnation, Succession and the Geopolitics

Moderator: Sonam Frasi (Institute of Tibetan Affairs)

Sisur Lobsang Sangay (Harvard University) “Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama: Tradition, Politics, and the Geopolitics”

Kate Saunders (Turquoise Roof/Tibet Watch) “The geopolitics of reincarnation in the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday year”

Professor Dibyesh Anand (University of Westminster) “Tibetan Self-Determination and the Reincarnation Question in a Contested Geopolitics”

1645-1715: Vote of thanks

Sonam Frasi, FCA, FRSA (Institute of Tibetan Affairs) and Professor Dibyesh Anand

*There will be photography and video recording at the event.

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