The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) declared July 6th, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's birthday, to be the 'Universal Day of Compassion.'

Full Statement Transcription:

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the most famous and ·prominent global Buddhist figure who embodies the ideals of peace, compassion, universal responsibility, religious and social harmony;

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's selfless and genuine efforts to build peace and harmony has been fully recognized by the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize, the United States of America's Congressional Gold Medal, the Templeton Award, and countless other prestigious accolades;

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has voluntarily relinquished all his political authority, thereby living the pure life of a Buddhist spiritual leader, respected, cherished and admired by millions of Buddhists and others throughout the world;

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has successfully represented profound and vast ancient Indian wisdom the basis of which are Karuna and Ahimsa, through his interactions with community of scientists, leaders, environmentalists, and others;

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has worked his entire life in a tireless manner to bring closer not only Buddhist traditions, and communities, and strengthen a sense of oneness of brotherhood and sisterhood among all followers of Lord Buddha but also others;

The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace unanimously resolves to recognize the great contributions of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama toward a global mission for peace and harmony among humankind and particularly among followers of the Great Lord Buddha. In recognition to his immense contribution, the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace unanimously declare His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to be a Universal Supreme Leader of the Buddhist World.

That with regard to the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness' repeated statements since 1969, the official pronouncement of September 24, 2011, or any guidance in future is inherently discretionary. No government nor any individual has the right to interfere in this matter. This religious activity has to be conducted as per the responsibilities that His Holiness the Dalai Lama enshrines and entrusts;

The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace recognizes the significance of the continuation of Gaden Phodrang institution.

We further declare July 6th, His Holiness's birthday, to be the 'UNIVERSAL DAY OF COMPASSION.' We request all lovers of peace, compassion and nonviolence throughout the world to join us in celebrating the Universal Day of Compassion every year on July 6th.

By celebrating compassion and non violence we celebrate the essence of the messages of Lord Buddha and the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. We commit to building a truly harmonious and peaceful world.

Additional Sources:

• Central Tibetan Administration's Entry
• The Tibet Post International's Article