Dalai Lama gives talk in Londonderry

The Dalai Lama of Tibet has given a public talk in Londonderry as part of Children in Crossfire’s 20th anniversary.

His Holiness became patron of the charity after meeting and becoming friends with founder Richard Moore from Derry, who was blinded by a soldier when he was a boy.

Richard started the charity to help other children caught in the crossfire of poverty.

The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, last visited the city in 2013 and returned on Sunday for a public talk entitled ‘Compassion In Action, where he described Richard as his "hero".

The themes explored were aimed at encouraging people to be the change they want to see in the world.

During the question and answer session, the spiritual leader said developed countries are in "crisis" as he urged a greater sense of compassion and love.

He also called for a century of peace, saying thinking which led to warfare was outdated - referring to fighting in Burma, Iraq and Syria.

The 82-year-old said there was too much war, fear, distrust and anger and that global warming was a "major disaster".

He added: "We have to work together."

Award-winning actress and activist, Joanna Lumley OBE, will join His Holiness on day two of his visit. She will speak at a conference on Monday.