Dharamshala: On 12 July 2025, Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed the South Coast Tibetan Community in Nowra as part of his ongoing official engagements in Australia.
Prior to his public address, Sikyong engaged with students of the Tibetan Learning Centre in Sydney. During the interaction, he commended the parents and teachers for their dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment in nurturing the students’ proficiency in the Tibetan language. He praised their role in preserving and promoting Tibet’s rich linguistic heritage through education and community involvement.
In an another meeting, Sikyong spoke to the members of Voluntary Tibetan Advocacy Group of Australia, emphasising the importance of Tibetan plateau and the cultural heritages. Sikyong provided a brief account of geographical formation of the Tibetan plateau and the potency of Tibet’s water resources in causing major global war if the unchecked mismanagement continues.
Sikyong also spoke about the independent status of Tibet in the past until the People’s Liberation Army’s illegal occupation of Tibet. Sikyong encouraged youths to study more about the factual histories of Tibet recommending the works of Professor Michael Van Walt van Praag and Professor Hon Shiang Lau.
When addressing the South Coast Tibetan community, Sikyong emphasised the ongoing efforts of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the 16th Kashag to advocate for Tibet’s political and cultural interests on the international stage. He highlighted the importance of educating the global community about Tibet’s geopolitical significance, including its critical water resources and the environmental challenges resulting from Chinese Communist Party (CCP) mismanagement.
On the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity, Sikyong expressed deep concern about the CCP’s systematic efforts to erode the Tibetan language, religion, and traditions. He underlined the importance of Tibetan Buddhism as a vital repository of ancient scriptures and teachings, and encouraged young Tibetans to learn and actively uphold their language and culture, especially given the restrictions faced within Tibet itself.
Regarding community welfare, Sikyong addressed the housing crisis affecting approximately 1,800 Tibetan exile families. He detailed the Kashag’s resettlement initiatives aimed at providing adequate housing and sustaining Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal. He reaffirmed that these programmes are guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision.
On the ongoing Tibet-China conflict, Sikyong reiterated the Central Tibetan Administration’s commitment to the Middle Way Approach as a peaceful and mutually beneficial path forward. He also emphasised the importance of framing Tibet’s struggle within the larger context of the Sino-Tibet conflict to enhance global understanding and support.
Sikyong further called on Tibetans to remain united and steadfast, and highlighted the sacrifices of the older generation in exile and encouraged the younger generation to continue their legacy by advancing the Tibetan cause with renewed energy and dedication.
