The Dalai Lama focused much of his attention on preserving the Tibetan culture and raising international awareness of their exile. He convinced the United Nations to adopt three separate resolutions calling for the protection of Tibetans. He supports Tibetan self-rule within China, rather than full independence.
The Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his persistent attempts to achieve a nonviolent resolution to the Tibetan issue. In the past, he held peace talks with Beijing, although none of the talks have so far succeeded and have been interspersed with long periods of silence between the two political entities.
According to his biography on the official website of the 14th Dalai Lama, “His Holiness” has visited more than 62 countries since 1959 and has met with dozens of world leaders. He has received more than 80 awards, honorary doctorates, and other forms of recognition for his work toward peace and has written more than 70 books.
