Dharamshala: The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration, earlier today commenced the 2nd International Tibet Youth Forum, a hallmark initiative of the 16th Kashag, in Dharamshala that brought together over 100 Tibetan youths representing diverse educational and professional backgrounds from more than 13 countries.
The inaugural session of this three-day seminar, from 3 to 5 July, was honoured by the presence of Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, who presided over the proceedings with grace and conviction. Secretary Karma Choeying and Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay from the DIIR also graced the occasion with their presence.
Following the arrival of the guests and participants at the venue, Secretary Karma Choeying delivered a welcome address to emphasise the importance of this conference. He stated that in this critical time of generational transition, it is paramount for younger Tibetans to inherit the mantle of our freedom struggle and safeguard Tibet’s unique identity. Hence, under the stewardship of Sikyong Penpa Tsering and the 16th Kashag, the V-TAG (Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group) initiative was introduced in 2021 to amplify Tibet advocacy efforts worldwide. The Secretary further said this seminar aims to empower members of V-TAG and other Tibetan youths from diverse organisations to advance the Tibetan Freedom Movement through coordinated advocacy and awareness campaigns.
In addition, Secretary Karma Choeying clarified that V-TAG is not a Central Tibetan Administration’s youth group but rather a platform for younger Tibetans, regardless of their political opinions, to dedicate themselves to furthering the cause of Tibet.
The event’s chief guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, extended his greetings to the participants and lauded their commitment to advocating for the Tibetan cause while introducing the conference speakers.
Beginning with the benevolent and lifelong contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in resolving the longstanding Tibet-China conflict and establishing this unparalleled exile Tibetan community, Sikyong implored everyone to pray for the wellbeing of His Holiness. Sikyong further stated that following His Holiness’ noble guidance is the most appropriate way to offer prayers and to do so, “We must not fall into petty factional arguments and, instead, we must all unify our efforts regardless of our political stands to strive for freedom in Tibet.” In relation to this, Sikyong shed light on the Central Tibetan Administration’s policy of the Middle Way Approach (MWA). “Every political view among Tibetans, including those seeking a win-win solution through MWA and others who want complete independence, have their valid reasons based on the truth. But, His Holiness introduced MWA, which was later unanimously adopted as the official political position by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, for the sole reason of Tibet’s survival that otherwise has reached a stage of complete extinction.”
Apart from that, as part of his keynote speech, Sikyong Penpa Tsering spoke about the V-TAG’s increasing impact over the last three years and commended all active members for their efforts. “Central Tibetan Administration has prioritised inclusiveness of all sections of our community in the Tibetan freedom struggle”, and therefore, Sikyong encouraged others to take part in the journey of V-TAG. “A success of V-TAG can later be translated into a people’s movement”, Sikyong declared.
Furthermore, the exile Tibetan political leader shared profound insights into international politics, shedding light on China’s current geopolitical stance and its internal political dynamics before concluding his talk.
Thereafter, a Q&A session with Sikyong was held for around half an hour that was followed by a vote of thanks from DIIR Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay.
Over the course of following three days, Kasur (former Kalon) Tenpa Tsering; Bhutila Karpoche, Member of the Provincial Parliament for Parkdale-High Park, Canada; Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of the Oetwil am See, Switzerland; Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives; Namkyi, a former Tibetan Political Prisoner; Franz Matzner, Director of Government Relations, International Campaign for Tibet; Tenzin Dorjee, Strategist and Senior Researcher, Tibet Action Institute; Karma Lekshey, Director of the Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution; Topjor Tsultrim, Communication Coordinator of the Students for a Free Tibet; and Tenzin Yangzom, Campaign Coordinator, International Tibet Network, will speak on various topics concerning Tibet advocacy.
Secretary Karma Choeying, DIIR, delivering a welcome address. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA
Glimpse of the ongoing 2nd International Tibet Youth Forum. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA
Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay, DIIR, delivering a vote of thanks. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA
Participants and speakers of the 2nd International Tibet Youth Forum with Sikyong. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA
