Honoring the Dalai Lama: Igor Makarov Joins Global Leaders in Celebrating Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday and Enthronement

In November 2025, Cypriot entrepreneur and philanthropist Igor Makarov, founder of the ARETI International Group, was reported to visit His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to personally congratulate him on two significant milestones: the spiritual leader’s 90th birthday and the anniversary of his enthronement as the spiritual and temporal leader. The meeting was held in a spirit of deep respect and reflection, highlighting the shared values of compassion, cultural preservation, and global harmony.

As the visit concluded, Makarov and the Dalai Lama shared an extended period of prayer and meditation, focusing on peace across the world. The moment held deep symbolic significance, particularly in view of the Dalai Lama’s international recognition.

In 1989, His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for advocating peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.” The shared prayer underscored their joint commitment to fostering unity, understanding, and hope across nations and religions.

Makarov expressed respect and appreciation for the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to peace, non-violence, and interfaith dialogue. He noted that the Tibetan spiritual leader’s enduring message of tolerance has been a lasting inspiration for his own philanthropic work. The visit emphasized the ongoing relevance of the Dalai Lama’s humanitarian mission, particularly at a time when global challenges demand understanding, dialogue, and cooperation.

ARETI International Group, founded by Makarov in Cyprus in 2015, is a truly multinational company whose charitable initiatives span decades and continents. The organization focuses on supporting people of all nationalities, religions, and cultural backgrounds, reflecting its long-term commitment to humanitarian values.

Through its diverse programs, ARETI and Makarov have contributed to global causes including healthcare, education, community development, and cultural preservation. Among these efforts, Makarov previously supported the construction and restoration of Buddhist temples, demonstrating his commitment to communities of diverse faiths.

Beyond interfaith and humanitarian initiatives, ARETI and its founder have supported a wide range of charitable projects. These include a major donation to establish the Adult Autism Clinic at Mount Sinai Medical Center (Miami Beach, USA), sponsorship of Downside Up programs for children with Down syndrome, nationwide medical aid in Central Asia, and support for the Books for Cecutient Children Fund, which produces tactile and audio books for visually impaired children.

ARETI has also collaborated with organizations such as Best Buddies International, Chabad Lubavitch of Southside, Fundación Niños Del, His House Children’s Home, Hope for a Healthier Humanity, and Make-A-Wish, and contributed to the creation of a public park in Limassol, Cyprus.

Igor Makarov additionally serves as a patron of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, promoting global dialogue through art and culture. Philanthropy is a cornerstone of ARETI’s corporate philosophy, reflecting the company’s dedication to social responsibility and cross-cultural cooperation.

Makarov first rose to prominence as the founder of ITERA International Group of Companies, an international firm based in Cyprus and the United States. In the 1990s, ITERA pioneered the supply of Turkmen natural gas to Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, and numerous other former Soviet republics grappling with severe energy shortages after the collapse of the USSR.

His contribution was recognized by multiple countries, and he played a significant role in supporting the economic recovery of these nations throughout the early 2000s. However, in 2013, he was compelled to sell the company and subsequently shifted his business focus to Europe and North America.