By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 4: The second edition of the ‘International Tibet Youth Forum: Empowering Voices and Inspiring Action for Tibet’s Future’, organised by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), is currently underway in Dharamshala until July 5.
This initiative will provide a dynamic platform for over 90 Tibetan youth from 13 countries, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy for the Tibetan cause. By uniting young activists and advocates, the forum aims to empower the next generation of Tibetan youth to take active roles in their communities and on the international stage, contributing to the larger cause of Tibet, the organisers said.
The keynote address was delivered by the President of the Tibetan government-in-exile known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). In his speech, Sikyong Penpa Tsering highlighted the enduring contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama over the last 65 years. Sikyong also emphasised the importance of adhering to the Middle Way policy, the official stance of the CTA stating, “The Middle Way policy is the official stance of the CTA and it is our core responsibility to adhere to this stance. While some may advocate for discontinuing the current administration or one seeking independence have the right to do so because essentially Tibet was historically an independent nation.
“Those who support the Middle Way approach do so based on His Holiness’ extensive considerations, including global politics, changes within China, and the situation inside Tibet. However, the paramount concern is the existence of Tibet, as Tibet encompasses not just its landmass but the preservation of Tibetan identity and culture regardless of one’s personal stance.”
Tenzin Zomkey, the Regional Coordinator of the Voluntary Tibetan Advocacy Group (V-TAG) Austria, spoke to Phayul about the group’s efforts. “In Austria, we have organised various events, advocacy, and activism projects. One significant achievement was a forum in Vienna, where Sikyong was invited to speak in the parliament. We successfully established an informal friendship group for Tibet within the parliament and maintain regular contact with parliamentarians to keep them informed about Tibet’s political issues,” Zomkey explained.
Gonpo Kyab Dalhastang, the local coordinator of V-TAG Australia, discussed the recent adoption of their action plan in November 2023. “We are working to fulfill the goals and objectives of V-TAG, which is still new. In Australia, especially Sydney, Tibetan youth were not very involved in advocacy before V-TAG. V-TAG is helping gather everyone and focus our efforts,” he noted. Gonpo expressed his hopes to learn from other Tibetan youth at the forum and to communicate this information back to Tibetan youth in Australia to strategise and take action.
The current administration, led by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, prioritises Tibet advocacy as a crucial component in the quest to resolve the Tibetan conflict. The 16th Kashag introduced the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) to provide every Tibetan the opportunity to contribute to a non-violent, mutually beneficial, negotiated, and lasting solution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict. V-TAGs are voluntary associations of Tibetans dedicated to advocacy campaigns in their respective countries. The primary goal of establishing V-TAGs is to strengthen existing advocacy efforts worldwide, offering a platform for every Tibetan to contribute to the larger cause of Tibet.
