Washington DC: On 10 December 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s fifth day in the United States was marked by a series of significant engagements. The day began with Sikyong attending a discussion titled “A Conversation on the Future of Tibet in U.S. Policy and Strategy,” where Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Richard Gere shared their valuable insights. Under Secretary Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, was also in attendance where she highlighted the administration’s efforts to support Tibetans through bilateral and multilateral coordination. She also emphasised the need for continued action, stating: “We know there is more work to be done until a negotiated agreement for meaningful autonomy is reached, until Tibetans everywhere can access their human rights and fundamental freedoms, until Tibetans can practice their faith as they wish and speak their language, there is more work to be done.”
The U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues further quoted His Holiness the Dalai Lama, emphasising the significance of cultivating a vision for a happier and more peaceful future and making efforts to realise it.
Following this, Sikyong Penpa Tsering shared words of gratitude, thanking Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Richard Gere, describing them as the “two great pillars of support for Tibetans.” He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to Under Secretary Uzra Zeya for her steadfast support and assistance.
Highlighting his emphasis on the importance of think tanks, Sikyong participated in a meeting at the Wilson Center, a Washington, D.C. based think tank chartered by Congress and known for providing nonpartisan counsel on global affairs to policymakers.
At this meeting, Sikyong engaged with Mark A. Green, President of the Wilson Center and former USAID Administrator, as well as several notable attendees, including: H.E. Ivan Duque Marquez (Wilson Center Fellow and former President of Colombia), Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (Wilson Center GAC and former Congresswoman), Eddy Acevedo (Wilson Center Chief of Staff & Senior Policy Advisor), Julie Wadler (Wilson Center Development Director), Dr Robert Daly (Director of the Wilson Center’s Kissinger Institute on China and the United States), John Thon Majok (Director of the Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative), Shihoko Goto (Director of the Wilson Center’s Indo-Pacific Program), and Lucas Myers (Senior Associate for the Indo-Pacific Program).
Following this, Sikyong attended the ICT board meeting, where he was asked about the issue of reincarnation. Reiterating his consistent position, he emphasised that the responsibility for matters related to the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama lies solely with His Holiness’ private office. He also outlined Kashag’s preparations for such events, including the drafting of a comprehensive guide to address any unforeseen circumstances.
Concluding the day, Sikyong, alongside Richard Gere, Representative Namgyal Choedup, ICT’s Bhuchung K. Tsering, and Franz Matzner, who oversees ICT Government Relations, paid a courtesy call on Senator Jeff Merkley, the original sponsor of the Resolve Tibet Act, who has played a pivotal role in its advancement.
Group photo with Senator Merkley.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering greeting Senator Merkley.
Senator Merkley.
Group photo at Wilson Center.
Discussion on Future of Tibet.
