(TibetanReview.net, May05, 2016) – Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on May 3 met at his residence at Dharamshala, India, with youth leaders from trouble-torn countries across the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia under the auspices of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The participants were members of the Youth Leaders’ Exchange and the USIP works to prevent, mitigate and resolve conflicts around the world.
The participants were joined, on invitation by the Dalai Lama, by two Indian Muslim leaders – Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood, a retired civil servant and social activist and Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin, a Sufi and Spiritual Head of the shrine of Ajmer Dargah. Both are distinguished for their work to promote inter-religious understanding.
The youth leaders were from Uganda, South Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Myanmar, Somalia, Iraq, Sudan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Syria. The meeting was moderated by Nancy Lindborg, President of the USIP.
Invited to initiate the discussion, the Dalai Lama emphasized the oneness of humanity and the importance of sense of global citizenry among people across the world. He said: “All 7 billion human beings have a common experience in that we all appreciate love. We all have a seed of love and affection within us and the potential to cultivate greater love and compassion. If we want to create peace in the world it has to start with the heart, with inner peace.”
Following a tea break, the youth leaders shared their experiences and asked questions to the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama said he felt greatly encouraged by what he had heard about the Youth Leaders’ activities in troubled and difficult circumstances in different parts of the world.
The meeting resumed on May 4 morning.