Hamburg: Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) participated in a significant panel discussion on “The Future of Tibetan Leadership,” organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), South Asia on 26 June 2025 at Hotel Atlantic in Hamburg, German.
Prior to the event, Kalon interacted with the media. The panel discussion titled “The Future of Tibetan Leadership: Insights on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Succession” brought together officials from the Central Tibetan Administration and prominent Tibet advocates to address critical questions surrounding leadership transition as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday in July 2025.
During the two-hour event, which included panel presentations followed by audience interaction, Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma provided the Central Tibetan Administration’s institutional perspective on four pivotal areas: post-succession leadership pathways, political implications for Tibet’s international relationships, traditional reincarnation processes amid Chinese interference, and strategies for managing China relations during the transition period. Kalon addressed how leadership transition affects Tibet’s diplomatic standing and relationships with supporting nations worldwide.
The panel featured distinguished participants, including Venerable Thubten Wangchen from the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Tulku Tenzin Thosam Rinpoche from Tibet House Germany and Tenzin Zochbaur from Tibetan Initiative Deutschland. Austrian journalist Ms. Anna Sawarthel served as moderator for the German and European audience, which included policymakers, academics, and human rights advocates.
Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma emphasised the importance of protecting traditional Tibetan practices while maintaining international legitimacy during the transition period. Kalon addressed potential Chinese interference in succession processes and the need to maintain the Central Tibetan Administration’s functions and international engagement.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), South Asia, headed by Dr. Carsten Klein, known for its commitment to promoting democratic values and human rights, organised the event as part of ongoing efforts to foster informed dialogue about Tibet’s political future and strengthen international understanding of Tibetan reincarnation.
The panel discussion successfully achieved its objective of creating a comprehensive dialogue about Tibetan leadership futures, with participants exploring how the international community can continue supporting Tibet during this historic transition period. The event highlighted the importance of maintaining diplomatic relationships and institutional stability while respecting traditional Tibetan spiritual and cultural practices.
The Central Tibetan Administration continues to engage with international partners and supporters to ensure the continuity of Tibet’s democratic institutions and preservation of Tibetan culture and identity during this significant period in Tibetan history.
Earlier in the morning, the delegation visited the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) and interacted with Prof. Dr. Miriam Prys-Hansen, Head of Research Programme “Global Orders & Foreign Politics” and other Research Fellow Members.
On 25 June 2025, FNF organised a meeting at Hein & Fiete with the CEO Marc followed by a walk around at St. Georg with Free Democratic Party (FDP) representative Jimmy Bulm. Participants discussed municipal politics challenges in Hamburg’s multicultural neighbourhood, focusing on integration policies and community development, followed by a panel discussion in the evening.
