Prague, Czech Republic: On 14 October 2024, the second day of the 28th Forum 2000 commenced with an Opening Plenary Session attended by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, accompanied by Representative Thinlay Chukki. The session began with opening remarks from Jakub Klepal, Executive Director of the Forum 2000 Foundation in Czechia. He emphasised the Foundation’s increasing collaboration with partners from the Global South and its commitment to ensuring that the dialogues held at the forum are as global and inclusive as possible. He noted that, in order to defend the international liberal order, no single democratic nation can act alone, underscoring the need for the establishment of a coalition of democracies. His Excellency Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, was one of the keynote speakers during the session.
Following the plenary, Sikyong Penpa Tsering engaged in a series of high-level meetings at the Senate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His first meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, where he held discussions with Veronica Mitkova, Director of the Human Rights and Transition Policy Department, and Patrick Rumlar, Deputy Director of the Asia Department. Mitkova shared insights into how the Czech government has raised the issue of Tibet in multilateral forums and on international platforms while offering ideas on making the 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama a significant event in Czechia. Rumlar candidly expressed the stance of Czech parliamentarians on the Tibetan cause. During the meeting, Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Representative Thinlay Chukki presented their appeals to the international community, detailing the severe human rights violations occurring in Tibet to the Director of Human Rights.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering subsequently met with His Excellency Pavel Fischer, a Member of the Czech Senate, at his office. During the meeting, Fischer remarked that the people of Czechia hold the Tibetan people in deep affection; however, he emphasised the need to transform this emotional and sympathetic sentiment into a more rational and strategic approach. Sikyong and Fischer engaged in a comprehensive and productive discussion on this matter.
Following this, Sikyong held another significant meeting with His Excellency Jiří Oberfalzer, Vice President of the Czech Senate, and His Excellency Hayato Okamura, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, who graciously welcomed Sikyong at their offices. The in-depth discussion extended beyond an hour, during which His Excellency Jiří Oberfalzer shared his perspectives and concerns. At the same time, His Excellency Hayato Okamura, who is of partial Asian descent and has been an active participant in Tibetan events, expressed his strong support for the Tibetan people. He offered encouragement, noting that many in Czechia are deeply sensitive to human rights issues and would stand in solidarity with the Tibetan cause.
The meeting was also attended by Katerina, Secretary of the Friends of Tibet Support Group in the Czech Republic, who presented Sikyong with a booklet showcasing the initiatives they have undertaken in collaboration with the Tibetan community in support of the Tibetan cause.
Following this productive meeting, Sikyong proceeded to the Grand Prague Towers Hotel, where the Forum 2000 was hosting an exclusive Global Democracy Networking Dinner for a few dignitaries. There, Sikyong had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland, Her Excellency Cecilia Requena, Senator of Bolivia, and numerous other distinguished guests. The evening continued with discussions among dignitaries from various parts of the world.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering had a meeting with Veronica Mitkova, the Director of the Human Rights and Transition Policy Department, and Patrick Rumlar, Deputy Director of Asia Department, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech Republic.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Representative Thinlay Chukki with Honourable Pavel Fischer, Member of the Czech Senate.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with H.E. Jiří Oberfalzer, Vice President of the Czech Senate.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Representative Thinlay Chukki with H.E. Hayato Okamura, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Representative Thinlay Chukki at the Forum 2000 Global Democracy Networking Dinner at Bellevue Hall, Grand Hotel Prague Towers.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with H.E. Lech Wałęsa, the former President of Poland.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with H.E. Cecilia Requena, Senator of Bolivia at the Global Networking Dinner.
