Paris: A special ceremony was held on 3 July 2026 in Levallois-Perret, at the gateway to Paris, to mark a twin celebration, the inauguration the Allée du Tibet and the laying of the foundation stone for what will become the first Tibetan Buddhist stupa to be erected in a public space in France. The event took place in the heart of the Parc des Cinq Continents Jacques Chirac, a symbolic setting that celebrates the richness and diversity of the world’s cultures.

Held just days before the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, at the closing of the Year of Compassion and only two days after China’s so-called “Ethnic Unity Law” entered into force in Tibet, the ceremony carried profound significance. It served as a tribute to His Holiness’ lifelong dedication to compassion, non-violence, dialogue, and universal human values, while reaffirming the importance of safeguarding cultural diversity and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The project is the result of nearly eighteen months of close collaboration between the Office of Tibet, Brussels and Paris, and the Municipality of Levallois-Perret with the collaboration of Rigpa centre. The inauguration reflects a shared commitment to honouring the universal values embodied by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the Tibetan people and the people of France.

The ceremony was attended by Agnès Pottier-Dumas, Mayor of Levallois-Perret, Jérôme Karkulowski, Deputy Mayor, Senator Roger Karoutchi, Members of the Council, Rigzin Genkhang, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration, representatives of Rigpa, Tibetan community, V-TAG and numerous invited guests.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, Mayor Agnès Pottier-Dumas said that these initiatives reflected the Municipality’s commitment to supporting the Tibetan people in preserving and promoting of their unique culture through peaceful and non-violent means in the spirit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision for Tibet and humanity. She added that the values championed by His Holiness continue to inspire communities far beyond Tibet’s borders.

The Mayor also welcomed the laying of the foundation stone for a future Tibetan Buddhist stupa in a public park, describing it as a symbol of cultural exchange, respect for traditions, and solidarity with the Tibetan people.

In her remarks, Representative Rigzin Genkhang expressed the Tibetan people’s heartfelt gratitude to the Municipality of Levallois-Perret for this meaningful initiative. She noted that, at a time when the historical name “Tibet” is increasingly being replaced by other designations in official Chinese discourse, the decision to name a public pathway Allée du Tibet sends a powerful message that Tibet, its history and its people continue to be recognised and remembered.

She also highlighted the symbolic timing of the inauguration, coming just days after the entry into force of China’s so-called “Ethnic Unity Law”. While presented as legislation to promote national cohesion, the law is widely viewed as a further step in policies aimed at assimilating Tibetans by undermining the Tibetan language, culture, religion and identity. Against this backdrop, she said, the inauguration of Allée du Tibet affirms that genuine unity cannot be built through the erasure of differences, but through respect for diversity, human dignity and the right of every people to preserve its cultural and spiritual heritage.

A particularly historic moment of the ceremony was the laying of the foundation stone for the future stupa. Once completed, it will become the first Buddhist stupa erected in a public space in France. Its presence in the Parc des Cinq Continents will offer visitors of all backgrounds a place for contemplation, reflection and inspiration, while standing as a lasting testament to the friendship between the people of France and Tibet.

The dedication of Allée du Tibet and the foundation stone laying together mark an important milestone. They honour the immeasurable contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to humanity and his lifelong commitment to compassion, non-violence, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The location itself carries profound symbolism. The Parc des Cinq Continents, dedicated to celebrating the cultures of the world, now includes a place bearing the name of Tibet, recognising the unique historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the Tibetan people as an integral part of humanity’s shared legacy.

At a time when Tibetan language, culture and identity face unprecedented challenges within Tibet, this ceremony stands as a powerful affirmation that Tibet and its unique civilisation are worth preserving. While policies implemented inside Tibet seek to weaken the very foundations of its cultural and spiritual heritage, this initiative send a different message, that Tibet’s rich legacy forms an irreplaceable part of humanity’s shared heritage and deserves to be protected.