Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Brussels: The 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups commenced its three-day session in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, on 23 February 2024.
Over 170 members of Tibet Support Groups from 42 countries, along with the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration, began a three-day meeting to strengthen their efforts to address the severe and urgent situation in Tibet. The event is organised by the Tibet Interest Group from the European Parliament in partnership with the Belgium-based International Campaign for Tibet at the Thon Hotel in Brussels. The Office of Tibet-Brussels and the Department of Information and International Relations from the Central Tibetan Administration are facilitating the event, funded by the Tibet House Trust in London.
Following the opening remarks from Representative Rigzin Choedon Genkhang and ceremonial prayer recitation from the monks, President of Tibet Interest Group Mikulas Peksa from the European Parliament delivered the welcome address, thanking Belgium for supporting the conference.
Dr Hans Gert Pottering, former president of the European Parliament, then gave his inaugural address. In his speech, Dr Pottering stated that he prefers all people in the world, regardless of their religion, as long as they are peaceful. He believed that they are brothers and sisters, and one must defend their right to live in peace and protect their identity and religion. He called for the immediate abolishment of the boarding school system that is imposed on children in Tibet. He further emphasised the significance of the European Union in raising the matter of human rights violations in China, specifically the situation in Tibet, and in addressing all political and human rights issues in its dialogues with the Chinese authorities. He reiterates the call on the Chinese government to resume engagements with the representatives of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
A video message from the Vice President of the European Parliament, Heidi Hautala, was also displayed during the inaugural.
Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) expressed her gratitude to all the attendees for their strong support and solidarity with the Tibetan people and the cause of Tibet in her address. Kalon stated that the conference will help formulate and develop coordinated and action-oriented strategies to solve the Sino-Tibet conflict through dialogue as per the Middle Way Policy. She hoped that the conference outcome would help strengthen the movement and advocacy to restore the lost dignity and human rights in Tibet.
DIIR Kalon then proceeded to read the message from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In the message, His Holiness expressed that despite the great difficulties faced by the Tibetan people, the faith and aspirations of the majority of Tibetans who reside within Tibet have remained strong and unwavering. Furthermore, His Holiness expressed his confidence that the friends and supporters of the Tibetan community will continue to assist and support the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration in meeting the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the keynote speaker, said the Central Tibetan Administration is fully committed to following His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s wisdom, whether it’s to do with politics or whether it’s to do with the welfare of the exile community. At the same time, the Tibetan political leader emphasised the older generation of Tibetans to take charge of nurturing and adequately equipping younger generations to take on the responsibility of furthering the Tibetan struggle for freedom. Sikyong said, “There are many young Tibetans who have taken over the leadership of Tibetan associations. There are various associations represented in this conference, and most of their presidents are present. The Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) has also been established to provide a platform for all Tibetans, especially for the younger generation, to take on leadership roles.”
Furthermore, Sikyong recommended reading materials by Dr Michael van Walt van Praag and Professor Lau Han Shiang, who have both provided extensive evidence that Tibet was never a part of China, in order to better understand Tibet as an independent nation prior to its illegal occupation by the Chinese government.
Before concluding his talk, Sikyong emphasized the importance of collaboration, pooling resources, and avoiding hesitation when pursuing a common goal.
Wangpo Tethong, Executive Director of Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet – Europe, delivered a vote of thanks before wrapping up the opening ceremony.
Three plenary sessions followed the inaugural as part of the first day’s programmes. Moderated by John Jones from the Free Tibet Campaign, the first plenary session was addressed by Dukthen Kyi (head of DIIR’s Tibet Advocacy Section), Tenzin Dalha (researcher from TPI), Tibetan activist Dr Gyal Lo, and Dr Martin Mills on issues of current Human Rights Situation in Tibet, surveillance and security in Tibet, Colonial Boarding Schools Inside Tibet and Ecological Changes and Destructions in Tibet, respectively.
During the second plenary session, President of the ICT, Tencho Gyatso; Ven Endo Ryukyu and Ven Yuzan Toyoda of the Tibet Support Group, Japan; Representative Rigzin Genkhang, Office of Tibet, Brussels; Dr Zoe Bedford, ATC; Sherab Tharchin, CTC; and Andrea Ngombet, Sassoufit Collective, spoke to the gathering on political advocacy and support for Tibet. The session was moderated by Dr Martin Bursik from Czech Support for Tibet.
Following an hour-long lunch break, the third plenary session discussed “Global Advocacy against CCP: Prospects and Challenges”. The speakers for this session include Dolkun Isa, a prominent Uyghur activist; Enghebatu Togochog, the Director of SMHRIC; and human rights activist Joey Siu from Hong Kong.
An open forum with Sikyong Penpa Tsering was also held following the end of three plenary sessions.
Representative Rigzin Choedon Genkhang delivering opening remarks at the 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
President of Tibet Interest Group Mikulas Peksa, European Parliament, giving the welcome address. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma, Department of Information and International Relations, reading the message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Video message from the Vice President of the European Parliament, Heidi Hautala, for the 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Dr Hans Gert Pottering, former president of the European Parliament, addressing the gathering. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivering a keynote speech during the 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Wangpo Tethong, Executive Director of Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet – Europe, giving a vote of thanks. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA
Sikyong Penpa Tsering during the special plenary session.
