By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 2: More than 20 international donor organizations supporting the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) convened in Dharamshala for a two-day CTA Donor Conference on Thursday, to discuss strategies to secure Tibet’s future and foster collaborative progress.
Speaking to the media, Sikyong Penpa Tsering acknowledged that CTA has received support from various organizations, though the number of donors has fluctuated over time due to the evolving nature of these organizations’ goals. He explained that the conference serves two purposes: to express gratitude to the donors and to maintain and understand the organizations’ objectives and potential partnerships in the future. It also provides an opportunity to assess whether there is room to align the donors’ objectives with the CTA’s needs.
The Sikyong expressed the necessity for financial support for critical projects like infrastructure development and equipment acquisition, with donors contributing approximately 8 million dollars annually. While the CTA is currently financially stable, Sikyong stressed the importance of preparing for future financial challenges, as the day may come when donors inquire about the extent of needed support. He emphasized the need to transform the CTA into self-reliant and resilient organisation.
“While most of the Tibetan individuals in exile have made financial progress, the CTA itself has not, necessitating persistent support, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. This self-reliance is a central aim of the Kashag, the executive branch of the CTA,” he told the media.
Over the years, international donors, particularly from the United States have increased significantly ushering a new window of resources and opportunity for the exile Tibetan government, the civil society and Tibetans. However, there are concerns over transparency when it comes to operation of some outfits, especially their financial regulation, and most importantly whether projects undertaken by these outfits are donor driven as supposed to what the people on the ground need.
