Dharamshala: The fourth International Tibet Youth Forum, organised by the Tibet Advocacy Section of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), concluded on 5 July 2026 at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society in Dharamshala.  

Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest, joined by Namgyal Tsewang, Additional Secretary of Department of Information and International Relations, Jonas Kolecki, expert on German-Polish Relations, and Anjali Rawat, Executive Assistant to the Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), India Office. 

The third and final day of the forum began with a training session titled “From Clicks to Change: Using AI and Digital Advocacy for Tibet,” conducted by Marianne Tsetan Dolma, Founder and Managing Director of Select Your Product and a member of V-TAG Austria. The session was followed by regional group discussions, during which participants formulated action plans based on the forum’s deliberations. 

Two participant representatives presented the forum’s Joint Declaration to the gathering, with Tenzin Woeser delivering the declaration in Tibetan, followed by Tenzin Kunsel, who presented the English version.

In their joint declaration adopted at the conclusion of the forum, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening global Tibetan unity and intensifying advocacy for Tibet’s freedom, human rights, and the preservation of Tibetan identity, language, religion, and culture. Expressing concern over recent developments in Tibet, they called for greater international attention to the situation inside Tibet, pledged solidarity with Tibetans living under Chinese rule, and resolved to amplify awareness through coordinated global advocacy. The declaration also reaffirmed support for the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination, expressed gratitude and prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and reiterated confidence in the Gaden Phodrang Trust’s sole authority regarding the recognition of the future reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

During his address, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, outlined five key principles that he said should guide the younger generation in carrying forward the Tibetan cause. Speaking first on “Preservation and Perpetuation of Culture and Language,” he stressed that language, religion, culture, and traditions form the foundation of Tibetan identity and must be safeguarded and passed on to future generations. On “Advancement of Education and Intellectual Capacity,” he encouraged Tibetan youth to pursue both traditional and modern education, including fields such as international law and political science, to develop the knowledge and leadership needed to advocate effectively for Tibet. Addressing “Internal Unity and Solidarity,” he emphasised that overcoming regional, religious, and ideological differences is essential for building a strong and united Tibetan community.

Turning to “Peaceful Struggle and Raising Global Awareness,” the Deputy Speaker called on Tibetans to continue advancing the Tibetan cause through truth, non-violence, and sustained international advocacy by highlighting the realities inside Tibet. Concluding with “Legal and Organised Action,” he underscored the importance of building effective institutions and pursuing all initiatives within the framework of international law and universal human rights principles, stating that organised and lawful action is vital to protecting the rights, freedoms, and future of the Tibetan people.

Delivering the concluding remarks, Anjali Rawat, Executive Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) India Office, briefly reflected on her personal journey of learning about Tibet. She noted that India and Tibet share a long history and a common human experience, emphasising the deep cultural and historical ties between the two peoples. Expressing her personal perspective, she remarked that she views Tibet as an extension of Indian civilisation and culture rather than China. She concluded her address by thanking the organisers, participants, and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the International Tibet Youth Forum.

Following that, Namgyal Tsewang, Additional Secretary of Department of Information and International Relations delivered the vote of thanks of the fourth International Tibet Youth Forum. 

The closing ceremony concluded with the presentation of mementos to the V-TAG representatives from around the world who participated in the forum, as well as to Anjali Rawat, Executive Assistant to the Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) India Office, the funding partner of the 4th International Tibet Youth Forum (ITYF) 2026, in recognition of their support and contributions. The four-day forum officially came to a close with the singing of the Tibetan National Anthem.