The Dalai Lama on Preventing Nuclear War

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, January 6, 2022 — His Holiness the Dalai Lama warmly welcomed the recently issued joint statement by the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states on preventing nuclear war and avoiding an arms race. “As a firm advocate of worldwide demilitarization and the elimination of all nuclear weapons,” His Holiness wrote, “I strongly believe this is a positive initiative.” “Despite the many great achievements that also took place, the 20th century was a century of violence that included the horrifying use of nuclear weapons. It was a time during which, it is said, around 200 million people were killed. This joint statement reflects the contemporary reality that we live in an increasingly interdependent world, and it represents an opportunity to make the 21st century a century of peace and cooperation.” “It is necessary that all of us, including the UN and its member states, make concerted efforts to end the threat of nuclear weapons and move toward complete nuclear disarmament.” His Holiness stated that he firmly believes in the unity of humanity and considers the well-being and safety of all people to be of paramount importance. He is therefore convinced that when problems arise between countries, they should be resolved through dialogue in a spirit of accord, understanding, and diplomacy. In conclusion, he noted that history provides ample evidence that violence never leads to lasting peace.