Prague, Czech Republic: On 11 October 2026, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), accompanied by Representative Thinlay Chukki of the Tibet Bureau Geneva, arrived in Prague to participate in the 30th Forum 2000 Conference.
Held under the theme “Reimagining the Power of the Powerless,” the 30th Forum 2000 Conference marks the 90th birth anniversary of its co-founder, former Czech President Václav Havel. The conference brings together political leaders, human rights defenders, scholars, journalists, and civil society representatives to explore ways to strengthen democratic societies amid rising authoritarianism, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and technological challenges. Established in 1997 at Havel’s initiative, Forum 2000 has, for nearly three decades, served as an important international platform for dialogue on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, carrying forward his legacy.
On the first day of his visit, Sikyong, accompanied by Representative Thinlay Chukki, met with Forum 2000 Executive Director Jakub Klepal at the Prague Congress Centre. Their discussions covered China’s continued repression in Tibet through various means, the ethnic unity law, transnational repression, and relations with the United States.
Following the meeting, Sikyong participated in a discussion titled “Democratic Government in Exile or in a Contested Position: Sharing Lessons, Enhancing Cooperation.” The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the experiences and challenges faced by governments in exile and to explore avenues for greater cooperation in advancing democratic values.
In the evening, Sikyong and Representative Thinlay Chukki attended the opening ceremony and award presentation of the Forum 2000 Conference, where they interacted with prominent international dignitaries. Among those Sikyong met were Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic; Dr. Yeh-Chung Lu, Vice President of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy; and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a leader of Belarus’s democratic opposition.
During the ceremony, the Forum 2000 International Award for Courage and Responsibility was presented to Myanmar’s General Strike Coordination Body (GSCB), alongside youth movement leaders Tayzar San, Nan Lin, and Htet Myat Aung. Sikyong extended his warm congratulations to the award recipients, commending their unwavering commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, and human rights in the face of severe adversity.
