Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 3: The third edition of the International Tibet Youth Forum, themed “Empowering Voices and Inspiring Action for Tibet’s Future”, is currently underway at the Tibetan Reception Center in Dharamshala and will continue until July 5. Organised by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the forum brought together over 90 Tibetan youth from 15 countries.
This initiative is designed to provide a vibrant platform for Tibetan youths to foster dialogue, build networks, and strengthen advocacy efforts for the just Tibetan cause. By uniting young Tibetan activists and advocates from around the world, the forum aims to inspire and equip the next generation to take on leadership roles, both within their communities and on the global stage, in support of Tibet.
The event was graced by long-time Tibet supporter and renowned Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who attended as the chief guest. He delivered a keynote address, offering words of encouragement to the youth participants and engaging with them directly during a Q&A session.
Tenzin Norzin, the National Coordinator of the Australian Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (VTAG), is participating in the ITYF for the second time this year as a mentor rather than a participant. “Last year, I came to learn; this year, I’m here to share my experience and guide younger VTAG members, including a delegation I brought from Australia,” she told Phayul.
She emphasized the importance of networking among Tibetan youth advocates worldwide. “We want to build lasting connections so that when participants return, they know who to reach out to for collaboration and support,” she said. One of her personal goals for 2025–2026 is to initiate a “Year of Compassion” campaign in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. She also highlighted the forum’s focus on drafting a declaration—something done in the first edition but missed last year.
Reflecting on her advocacy work in Australia, Norzin shared key milestones, including organizing the first-ever Losar celebration at the Victorian State Parliament in February 2024, where she gave presentations on the cultural and geopolitical significance of Tibet. She also delivered a speech during His Holiness’ birthday celebration at the Main Temple last year and participated in Tibet Lobby Day in September 2024, where 17 out of 20 delegates were VTAG youth. “It was the largest Lobby Day ever, and we were proud to represent Tibetan youth voices in Australian politics,” she said.
Passang Juiliane Lhamo, the VTAG Coordinator of Germany, is attending the ITYF to deepen her understanding of advocacy and strengthen global networks. “As a coordinator, it’s important for me to learn and use this platform to amplify Tibetan voices internationally,” she said. She told Phayul that she is particularly interested in learning more about the Middle Way Approach and how it envisions peaceful coexistence between Tibetans and Chinese within Tibet through democratic principles.
Highlighting the significance of advocacy, Passang emphasized its role in engaging foreign policymakers to support the Tibetan cause. “Advocacy is like a wing for the Tibetan movement,” she noted. Reflecting on her experience engaging with members of the European Parliament during the International Campaign for Tibet’s Empowerment Day, she observed that while some parties remain distant, others are supportive. “Those hesitant often need stronger evidence about the situation in Tibet,” she said, adding that Tibetans must continue providing credible information to win broader international support.
Tenzin Choesang, VTAG Coordinator for the U.S., is attending the ITYF for the second time, and emphasized the importance of such platforms in uniting Tibetan youth globally, helping them share experiences, learn from one another, and build a stronger collective voice for Tibet. In the U.S., Choesang has been actively involved in advocacy through grassroots mobilization, lobbying efforts, and community outreach. He stressed that advocacy is essential to the Tibetan freedom movement, especially in garnering international political support.
