UCSD Executive Vice Chancellor Suresh Subramani, San Diego State University Provost Nancy Martin and USD Provost Julie Sullivan assembled at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego for a news conference to announce the Dalai Lama’s spring visit. While the Dalai Lama has traveled to more than 62 countries, this will be his first trip to San Diego.
The two-day symposium, entitled “Compassion Without Borders,” consists of three public events. The symposium was arranged by faculty members from the three participating universities in the form of organizing, public relations and fundraising committees.
Funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales will be used to cover the expense of the events.  Because the Dalai Lama does not charge a speaking engagement fee and will not profit financially off of the visit, surplus funds from the event will be donated to charitable organizations under the advisement of the spiritual leader.
UCSD will host the first event on April 18 at 9:30 a.m. at RIMAC arena. The Dalai Lama will mediate a panel discussion entitled, “The Global Impact of Climate Change: Balance through Universal Responsibility, Compassion and Human Consciousness.” Subramani, Scripps Institute of Oceanography Research professor Richard Somerville and UCSD Professor of Atmospheric and Climate Sciences Veerabhadran Ramanathan will comprise the panel.
“I am confident we each will learn something valuable from their conversation on global climate change and the need for humanitarian values and universal responsibility in recognizing and responding to the impacts of this change on communities and ecosystems,” Subramani said in the Jan. 19 press release statement.
On April 18 at 1:30 p.m., the Dalai Lama will give a public speech at USD entitled, “Cultivating Peace and Justice.” At this event, USD will award the Dalai Lama with the University of San Diego Medal of Peace.
“The Dalai Lama’s public talk, Cultivating Peace and Justice, will address the struggles facing our world due to escalated violence in society and among nations,” USD Provost Julie Sullivan said in the Jan. 19 press release. “His Holiness will explore alternatives to violence and the shared core human values that can lead the way to peace, justice and happiness.”
The Dalai Lama’s last public speech, entitled, “Upholding Universal Ethics and Compassion in Challenging Times,” will take place at San Diego State on April 19 at 9:30 a.m.
“We look forward to hearing His Holiness’s views on upholding ethics, practicing forgiveness and tolerance and coping with the challenges found in today’s society,” San Diego State Provost Nancy Marlin said in the Jan. 19 press release.
Starting Feb. 22 at 10 a.m., UCSD students will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the panel discussion, taking place in RIMAC Arena.