A thriving society depends on personal fulfillment and human connection—but both are in crisis. The Compassion Shift seeks to help humanity flourish by advancing the understanding and practice of compassion worldwide. Building on nearly thirty years of collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University is expanding access to compassion education across the institutions that shape society. This event will unveil new digital learning platforms and resources for scaling, and will include inspiring keynote addresses, dynamic panels, and collaborative sessions that spotlight compassion as both a personal practice and a transformative force for organizations and societies. Join us as we continue our efforts to advance a global culture of compassion.
EVENT SCHEDULE & SPEAKERS
These events are held in person at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and are not live-streamed.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Venue: Emory Student Center, 605 Asbury Cir, Atlanta, GA 30322
Step into a historic moment at Emory as the Compassion Shift takes flight. The launch kicks off with global leaders, visionary philanthropists, and inspiring stories that reveal how nearly three decades of collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama have sparked programs transforming lives worldwide. This milestone session unveils bold new digital platforms and sets the stage for a movement to scale compassion across the globe.
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The opening session sets the stage for the Compassion Shift launch with a powerful blend of welcome messages, impact stories, and digital platform unveilings. Executive Director of Emory’s Compassion Center, Lobsang Tenzin Negi, will frame the launch event in the context of Emory’s nearly three decades of collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, emphasizing the significance of this moment as a milestone that positions the Emory Compassion Center to envision a much broader scaling of its programs worldwide.
The session will feature a virtual keynote address by His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, one of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s closest advisors, and a renowned scholar, global statesman, former Prime Minister of the Tibetan exile government, and the current Chairman of the Dalai Lama Trust. Remarks from university leadership—including Dean Barbara Krauthamer, Dean Emeritus Robert Paul, and former vice president and deputy to the president of Emory, Gary Hauk—will be followed by presentations highlighting the transformative reach of ETSI, SEE Learning, and CBCT and the debut of their new digital platforms, marking a major step in scaling compassion education globally. Distinguished philanthropists Ajay Piramal and Melani Walton will underscore the partnership and vision behind this work.
Venue: Emory Student Center, 605 Asbury Cir, Atlanta, GA 30322
What happens when a pioneering philanthropist, a world-renowned humanitarian, and a leading scientist of happiness come together? Ajay Piramal, Richard Gere, and Sonja Lyubomirsky unite in a unique conversation on how compassion drives service, leadership, and global change.
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This extraordinary conversation brings together three global voices of compassion and service: Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Piramal Group, one of India’s most respected entrepreneurs and philanthropists, celebrated for his transformative leadership and decades of advancing healthcare, education, and positive social change; Richard Gere (virtually), internationally acclaimed actor and humanitarian, whose advocacy for human rights and global justice has made him a leading voice for dignity and compassion worldwide; and Sonja Lyubomirsky, distinguished psychologist and bestselling author, whose pioneering research on human happiness and wellbeing has shaped how individuals and institutions cultivate resilience, generosity, and purpose. Together, they will explore how compassion serves as the driving force for meaningful service, leadership, and global change. The session will be moderated by Kalden Lodoe, Managing Editor for East Asia at Radio Free Asia.
Venue: Emory Student Center, 605 Asbury Cir, Atlanta, GA 30322
In a world where burnout, disruption, and rapid change challenge every organization, the leaders who thrive are those who lead with compassion. Can compassion reshape the way we lead? Renowned psychologist and bestselling author Daniel Goleman takes the stage to reveal why compassion is not just a moral force but a decisive advantage in today’s world—followed by a dynamic panel exploring how organizations everywhere can put compassion at the center of leadership and success.
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This session opens with a powerful impact story from our affiliate pioneering the implementation of Emory’s compassion training programs in Mongolia’s business sector—an inspiring example of how compassion is transforming leadership across cultures and industries.
Internationally acclaimed psychologist, science journalist, and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Goleman, whose groundbreaking book Emotional Intelligence redefined what it means to be smart, will speak to how awareness, empathy, and relationship skills are as critical to success as IQ. Drawing on decades of research, Dr. Goleman will show how compassion enhances decision-making, builds stronger teams, and fuels sustainable success.
Following the keynote, a panel of distinguished leaders will discuss how Emory’s CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training) equips organizations with practical methods for cultivating self-awareness, resilience, and empathy and highlighting how CBCT strengthens organizational culture, fosters trust, and enhances performance. Joining Dr. Daniel Goleman on the panel are:
- Kartik Varma leads the Piramal School of Leadership's School of Health, where he focuses on compassionate leadership development and organization design to transform public systems in health and education.
- Kirstie Papworth, Executive Director of Experiential Learning at London Business School, whose work equips global business leaders with tools for ethical and compassionate decision-making.
- Tim Cunningham, Director for the Focus Area in Compassion and Ethics at the Task Force for Global Health, is advancing strategies to embed compassion and ethics at the heart of global health systems.
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Jeff Rosensweig, Associate Professor of International Business and Finance, and Director of the Global Perspectives Program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
THIS SESSION IS FULL AND REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Venue: Emory Rollins School of Public Health, R. Randall Rollins Building, Room 800, 1516 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322
This session will showcase how the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative (ETSI) is advancing a new frontier in knowledge by bringing contemplative wisdom into dialogue with cutting-edge scientific research. Highlighting collaborative studies with Tibetan monastic scholars and global scientists, the program will illustrate how this exchange is deepening the science of compassion and generating insights with profound implications for human health, resilience, and wellbeing.
*This session is only for Emory University students, staff and faculty. You must register with your Emory email address and will be required to show your Emory ID when you check in at the session.
Venue: Emory Student Center, 605 Asbury Cir, Atlanta, GA 30322
Co-hosted by Emory’s Center for Student Wellbeing, this workshop offers Emory students, faculty, and staff an introduction to CBCT (Cognitively Based Compassion Training), a research-based program developed at Emory that cultivates greater attention, emotional balance, and compassion for self and others. Through guided practices and discussion, participants will explore practical tools to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and enhance overall wellbeing—both personally and within the campus community.
*This session is only for Emory University students, staff and faculty. You must register with your Emory email address and will be required to show your Emory ID when you check in at the workshop.
Eminent Tibetan scholar, statesman, and former Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Rinpoche is one of the foremost interpreters of Gandhian nonviolence and Buddhist philosophy in the modern era. His lifelong work has advanced education, ethics, and global dialogue on peace and compassion.
Chairman of the Piramal Group, Piramal is one of India’s most respected entrepreneurs and philanthropists, renowned for his transformative leadership in business and society. Through decades of advancing healthcare, education, and social impact, he has become a global voice for values-driven leadership and compassionate service.
Internationally acclaimed actor and humanitarian, Gere has devoted decades to advocating for human rights, Tibet, and global justice. As the founder of the Gere Foundation and a prominent voice for compassion in action, he continues to champion dignity, service, and social responsibility worldwide.
Distinguished psychologist and bestselling author of The How of Happiness, Lyubomirsky is a leading researcher whose pioneering work has shaped the science of human wellbeing. Her studies on happiness, gratitude, and resilience have influenced individuals and institutions worldwide, offering practical pathways to greater fulfillment and flourishing.
Renowned psychologist and bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, Goleman revolutionized how organizations understand leadership and human potential. His groundbreaking work shows how compassion, self-awareness, and emotional skills enhance decision-making, strengthen teams, and drive sustainable success.
Executive Director of Experiential Learning at London Business School, whose work equips global business leaders with tools for ethical and compassionate decision-making. She is recognized for pioneering programs that integrate academic rigor with real-world application, preparing leaders to navigate complex challenges with wisdom and humanity.
Director for the Focus Area in Compassion and Ethics at the Task Force for Global Health, advancing research, education, and applied strategies to embed compassion and ethics at the heart of global health systems. He also brings decades of experience as a nurse and scholar dedicated to resilience, wellbeing, and compassionate care.
Associate professor of finance at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and Director of the Global Perspectives Program, specializing in global strategy, international finance, and economic forecasting.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Venue: Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322
The future of education lies in helping students discover purpose, joy, and compassion. Can schools and universities guide the next generation not just to achieve, but to flourish and become active global citizens? In this session, bestselling author and Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks reveals why meaning and compassion are essential for happiness and human thriving—followed by a panel of thought leaders and educators who will share how these values can be woven into the heart of learning and student success.
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This session begins with Emory Compassion Center affiliates from Mexico, India, and Taiwan—sharing powerful impact stories about how Emory’s compassion training programs are transforming lives and communities through education.
Dr. Arthur C. Brooks, professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School, will give the keynote address. A columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular weekly, “How to Build a Life” column, he is The New York Times bestselling author of 15 books—including Build the Life You Want (2023), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, and From Strength to Strength. Dr. Brooks is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on the science of human happiness.
Following the keynote, a panel of leading educators and thought leaders will examine how education can help students cultivate lives of purpose and joy. They will share insights from research and practice on integrating compassion, values, and wellbeing into schools and universities, offering practical strategies to empower students to flourish both academically and personally. Joining Dr. Brooks on the panel are:
- Barbara Krauthamer, Dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences and a leading historian of African American life and culture.
- John Lysaker, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Ethics at Emory University, which houses Emory’s Purpose Project.
- Robert Roeser, Alice Valli Professor of Compassion and Ethics and Professor of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences at Emory University, and Director of Research at the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics.
The panel will be moderated by Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Associate Teaching Professor for Emory University’s the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics.
Venue: Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322
Compassion is emerging as the most powerful medicine we have—for patients, providers, and entire health systems. In this session, bestselling author and pioneering scientist Lisa Miller reveals how compassion and spiritual awareness strengthen resilience, promote lasting wellbeing, create a more human-centered approach to healthcare and mental health. A distinguished panel of leaders in medicine, public health, and contemplative science will then explore how compassion can transform healthcare systems and mental health worldwide—making care more sustainable, effective, and deeply human.
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This session begins with Emory Compassion Center affiliates from Germany, the United States, and Vietnam that how Emory’s compassion training programs are strengthening healthcare systems, supporting those struggling with mental health challenges, reducing provider burnout, and improving patient care.
A keynote address will be given by Dr. Lisa Miller, Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University and founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute. A pioneering scientist and bestselling author (The Awakened Brain, The Spiritual Child), she has spent more than two decades investigating the intersection of spirituality, mental health, and human development. Her research has demonstrated how compassion and spiritual awareness act as protective factors against depression, addiction, and burnout while strengthening resilience, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Dr. Miller’s work has shaped both clinical practice and public discourse, bringing scientific credibility to the role of spirituality in fostering mental health and human flourishing.
Following the keynote, a panel of leading voices in medicine, public health, and contemplative science will explore how compassion can revolutionize the way we understand and promote health—serving as a protective factor against stress, burnout, and illness while fostering resilience, healing, and community wellbeing—and will highlight emerging strategies for integrating compassion into healthcare systems and public health initiatives, offering a vision of medicine and wellness that is not only evidence-based but also deeply human. Joining Dr. Miller on the panel are:
- Chris Larsen, Executive Director, Emory Transplant Center, Carlos and Marguerite Mason Professor of Transplantation at Emory University, a globally recognized leader in transplant immunology and public health whose research and leadership have advanced lifesaving innovations in medicine.
- Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Executive Director of the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics and developer of CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training).
- Maureen Shelton, Director of Education and Training for Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare, leading system-wide initiatives that integrate compassion and spiritual care to support clinician wellbeing and enhance patient- and family-centered care.
Moderated by J. William "Bill" Eley, Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs at Emory University School of Medicine.
THIS SESSION IS FULL AND REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
NEW Venue: Cannon Chapel, 515 South Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
This session will provide an overview of the Compassion Shift which consists of two aligned and research-based programs SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) and CBCT® for Educators (Cognitively Based Compassion Training for Educators) that foster resilience and wellbeing in students and educators through compassion training.
This workshop will engage educators, administrators, professors and parents to experience applied strategies to support wellbeing and promote emotional awareness, personal resilience, and compassion. This workshop will provide an overview of compassion science and how both the aligned programs of SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) and CBCT® for Educators (Cognitively Based Compassion Training) are providing compassion training to students and adults around the world. Learn how you can bring compassion training to your school community to foster wellbeing in both students and educators.
Dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences and a leading historian of African American life and culture. Her scholarship and leadership have helped expand opportunities for underrepresented students and advanced conversations on equity and justice in higher education.
Professor of Compassion and Ethics and Director of Research at Emory University's Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics. He studies how compassion and mindfulness shape human development, education, and wellbeing across cultures and contexts.
Director of Education and Training for Spiritual Health at Emory Healthcare, leading system-wide initiatives that integrate compassion and spiritual care to support clinician wellbeing and enhance patient- and family-centered care.
Executive Director, Emory Transplant Center, Carlos and Marguerite Mason Professor of Transplantation at Emory University, a globally recognized leader in transplant immunology and public health whose research and leadership have advanced lifesaving innovations in medicine.
Executive Director of the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics and developer of CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training). He leads Emory’s global efforts to advance compassion through research, education, and practical applications across healthcare, education, and society.
Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs at Emory University School of Medicine, where he guides curriculum development, admissions, and student programs. His work focuses on reducing health disparities in cancer outcomes and advancing medical education that integrates compassion as a foundation for clinical excellence and student wellbeing.
This event is part of a Year of Compassion at Emory University. In celebration of the 90th birthday of Emory President Distinguished Professor, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, A Year of Compassion is an invitation to students, faculty, and staff across the university to explore, embody, and elevate compassion in how we teach, learn, research, collaborate, and lead. Click on the logo to learn more.
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