The Inspiration

In April 2004, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, a world-renowned spiritual leader and recipient of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, visited UC Irvine to discuss ethical leadership and personal responsibility in the new millennium.

The Dalai Lama participated in dialogues about globalization, ethics and leadership. Presentations on personal responsibility and ethical leadership were held for students, business leaders and community members.

During his visit, the Dalai Lama spoke with over 5,500 students and teachers
representing 34 middle schools, high schools, universities and colleges about creating compassionate and ethical leadership both inside and outside the classroom and the importance of fostering leadership qualities among our youth and in our communities.

To replay web-streams of his 2004 visit, go to After the Visit.

In 2011, His Holiness returned to UCI to thank the UCI XIV Dalai Lama Scholars for their exceptional projects promoting peace, compassion and ethics.

His Holiness visits UC Irvine: May 4, 2011 event video »

In 2015, a Global Compassion Summit honoring the 80th birthday of His Holiness was held on July 5-7 at Anaheim’s Honda Center and UCI’s Bren Center. Over 30,000 guests attended four public events featuring dialogues among the Dalai Lama, fellow Nobel Laureates, artists, musicians and academics.

The UCI Dalai Lama Scholars shared the stage with His Holiness during a panel discussion on youth leadership on July 7, 2015.

Click here for video of the Youth Leadership Panel at UCI »