Washington DC: On 9 December 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended a luncheon meeting at the office of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), where he engaged in discussions with ICT staff and board members, including ICT Chair Richard Gere, Kasur (Former Minister) Tempa Tsering, and ICT President Tencho Gyatso. The dialogue focused on ICT’s strategic direction, particularly its approach to engaging with the new administration on the Tibetan cause. Together, they deliberated on identifying influential individuals who could play pivotal roles in advocating for Tibet, emphasising innovative and persuasive advocacy strategies.
Subsequently, Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Richard Gere addressed the participants of the 22nd North American Tibetan Associations’ (NATA) Conference at the NED Conference Hall. During his remarks, Sikyong eloquently invoked the profound symbolism of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, stating, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, with the thousand eyes and thousand hands. So far, His Holiness has been travelling around the world and working for the Tibetan cause. Now, as His Holiness is not able to travel as frequently as he used to, can we, every single Tibetan, become an eye and the hand of Chenrezig, who His Holiness embodies? If each of us commits to this responsibility, we can collectively carry forward the legacy of His Holiness in a united way.” He urged the participants to uphold their dedication to the Tibetan cause, not only during their tenures with their respective associations but as a lifelong commitment. The conference unanimously adopted eight resolutions, focusing on the celebration of the upcoming ‘Year of Compassion,’ Tibetan advocacy efforts in North America, the preservation of Tibetan cultural and linguistic heritage at weekend schools, making voluntary contributions (chatrel), and establishing a set of guidelines for the activities of NATA members.
In addition, Sikyong expressed gratitude to Richard Gere for his steadfast and life-long support for the Tibet cause on behalf of every Tibetan during the NATA Conference.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering and ICT Chair Richard Gere at second day of the 22nd NATA conference.
This was followed by a pivotal Tibet Strategy Meeting at the Longworth Building, chaired by H.E. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Alongside H.E. Jim McGovern, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, and a select few others, the discussions spanned the current plight of Tibetans, potential future scenarios, and preparations for the 90th birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Later in the evening, the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) hosted the Light of Truth event at the Cannon Caucus Room. The Light of Truth Award, represented by a butter lamp, symbolises the exceptional illumination each recipient has brought to the Tibetan cause. This year, the award was presented to H.E. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, whose unwavering commitment to human rights and justice has made her a formidable advocate for the Tibetan people. The award was conferred by Kasur Ama Jetsun Pema.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering reflected on a moment earlier this year when he presented a Thangka of White Tara to Speaker Pelosi at the Public Felicitation Event organised by the CTA in India as a gesture of profound gratitude for her steadfast support. He expressed how fitting it was for her to now be honoured in the United States with the Light of Truth Award, recognising her unparalleled dedication to the Tibetan cause.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi addressing the gathering during Light of Truth event at the Cannon Caucus Room.
In her impactful acceptance speech, Speaker Pelosi recounted her visit to Tibet, vividly describing the staged “model villages” she was shown, designed to portray an illusion of contentment and prosperity among Tibetans. She remarked that such facades did not deceive her, emphasising: “I was not impressed by the gilded roofs of temples prepared for our visit. What truly matters is what goes into the minds of the children living there.” She powerfully asserted the ethical imperative of standing for Tibetan human rights, stating:
“If we fail to support human rights in Tibet and China due to commercial interests, we lose the moral authority to advocate for human rights anywhere in the world.” Concluding her speech, Speaker Pelosi prayed for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and urged everyone to live each day in a manner worthy of His Holiness’s compassion and wisdom.
The evening concluded with a screening of the film’ Wisdom of Happiness’, leaving the audience deeply moved by the universal values embodied by His Holiness.
