LONDON--A number of UK PR firms, led by local boutique John Doe, are aiding a media campaign that promotes the Dalai Lama’s current trip to the country.

The programme revolves around a video message which supports the Tibetan spiritual leader’s message of non-violence and peace. The ‘Stand Up and Be the Change’ is directed by Rankin and features messages delivered from the likes of Stella McCartney, Jarvis Cocker, Michael Stipe, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Alison Mosshart, Grimes and Beth Ditto. Credits have been designed by Gorillaz.

To launch the video ahead of the Dalai Lama’s youth event in Manchester tomorrow, John Doe has assembled a roster of high-profile publicists, including Mandi Lennard, DawBell, Sam Ross and Debora Burns, to help with media outreach.

The Dalai Lama is to address thousands of young people in Manchester’s MEN Arena, giving a talk entitled ‘Century of Dialogue - Stand up and Be the Change.’

"I set up John Doe to make a difference and working on the cultural/media strategy for this campaign has been an honour," said John Doe founder Rana Reeves. "I am especially grateful to the team at John Doe and my colleagues and friends in the industry who have joined us in promoting this important message."

The Dalai Lama will visit London, Manchester and Scotland during his eight-day tour. He will also speak at the Yorkshire International Business Convention in Leeds, which has, reportedly, displeased the Chinese government. The Dalai Lama continues to live in exile in India.