Dharamshala: Today, on 4 July 2025, the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference successfully concluded with a brief closing ceremony attended by Chief Guest Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Sikyong Penpa Tsering. The ceremony was also attended by the participants of the conference.
During the ceremony, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, as the incumbent Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture — the organising department — addressed the gathering.
Given the extensive number of formal documents—such as legislations, resolutions, statements, and declarations—issued by various groups from diverse communities, including the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, Sikyong Penpa Tsering announced that the Central Tibetan Administration plans to compile these into a single publication. This compilation will serve as a testament to the widespread support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process and the preservation of religious freedom for Tibetan Buddhism inside Tibet. According to Sikyong, the book will include formal declarations from followers of Tibetan Buddhism and supporters worldwide, across all levels of society.
Sikyong also expressed optimism about the prospect of several governments issuing declarations in the coming days, reaffirming their support for non-interference in the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “As we celebrate this year as the Year of Compassion in honour of His Holiness’ 90th birthday, we will exert our fullest efforts in advocating among pro-democracy and freedom-loving communities around the world. The goal is to compile all of these initiatives by the end of the Year of Compassion for the future,” he said.
In a departure from usual protocol, Sikyong noted that a resolution was adopted at the very beginning of the conference, inspired by His Holiness’ affirmation of the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama—marking a historic moment. He emphasised that beyond merely adopting resolutions, it is imperative to implement and actualise them.
He further highlighted the significance of adopting an additional resolution covering six key agendas of the conference, along with the audience with His Holiness earlier that day, which he described as a testament to the success of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference. “As His Holiness has advised that more such Tibetan Religious Conferences be held, we will ensure that this message is conveyed to whoever assumes leadership in the Central Tibetan Administration, as the term of the 16th Kashag nears its end,” he said.
Recognising the vital role Tibetan Buddhism has played in bringing global awareness to Tibet and in preserving the teachings of the tradition, Sikyong reaffirmed his personal commitment—as a layperson—to this cause. He pledged to uphold the teachings of His Holiness and called upon everyone to share the same dedication. “In my current capacity, and in whatever responsibilities may fall upon me in the future, I will make my sincere efforts to fulfil the noble aspirations of His Holiness,” he stated.
Sikyong also acknowledged and praised the harmonious relationship among all schools and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Bon tradition. He called on all Tibetans to emulate this unity within the broader community, regardless of their ancestral roots or region of birth within Tibet.
Before concluding, Sikyong briefly outlined his administration’s guiding principles and motivations behind its initiatives, whether in improving the welfare of exile communities or advocating for a swift resolution to the Tibet-China conflict. “Whatever we have achieved and whatever projects we have realised during our four-year tenure, I credit them to the collective efforts of all of us—made possible under the guidance of His Holiness,” he concluded.
