Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) CTA presides over the two-day annual meeting of the Representatives of the Offices of Tibet in Japan on 6 June 2025. In the photo, from the left, 1st row: Tenzin Lekshay (Addl. Sec., DIIR/Spokesperson, CTA), Jigme Tsering (Rep. OoT Latin America), Dr. Namgyal Choedup (Rep. OoT Washington DC), Jamyang Gonpo (Acting Rep. OoT Pretoria), Telo Rinpoche (Rep. OoT Moscow), Thupten Tsering (Coordinator, OoT Paris), and Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa (Rep. OoT Taipei). From the left, 2nd row: Tsering Yangkey (Rep. OoT London), Rigzin Choedon Genkhang (Rep. OoT Brussels), Thinlay Chukki (Rep. OoT Geneva), Jigme Jugney (Rep. Delhi Bureau), Karma Singey (Rep. OoT Australia), Tulku Ngawang Chokdup (Coordinator, Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, Kathmandu)
From the left, front row: Karma Choeying (Secretary, DIIR), Norzin Dolma (Kalon, DIIR), Tsewang Gyalpo Arya (Rep. OoT Tokyo)

Tokyo, Japan: The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) convened its annual meeting of the Representatives of the Offices of Tibet following the conclusion of the 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet in Tokyo. The two-day meeting, presided over by DIIR Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma, began on 6 June 2025, in the Harumi district of Tokyo.

In her opening remarks, Kalon Norzin Dolma commended the Representatives for their tireless dedication and efforts in advancing Tibet advocacy across the globe, despite the numerous challenges they face. She acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Offices of Tibet, which serve as de facto embassies of the CTA, in garnering international support for the Tibetan cause.

Kalon emphasised the importance of strategic diplomacy aimed at three core audiences: the international community, the Chinese populace, and the Tibetan people. She urged representatives to broaden outreach efforts, build new alliances, and reinforce ties with longstanding supporters of Tibet. Kalon also highlighted the need to secure parliamentary resolutions and legislative acts that support dialogue between China and the Tibetan leadership for the peaceful resolution of the Tibet-China conflict.

She further stressed the role of the Offices of Tibet in upholding the relevance and centrality of the CTA, encouraging the Representatives to forge alliances with Chinese dissidents, democratic movements, and other nations under authoritarian threat. Kalon outlined key strategies for effective international advocacy, including bilateral and multilateral engagements, alliance and partnership-building, and collaboration with global think tanks.

Over the course of the two-day meeting, Kalon Norzin Dolma and DIIR Secretary Karma Choeying will lead discussions on the upcoming Year of Compassion—celebrating the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Ghoton)—as well as plans to enhance the functioning of the Offices of Tibet and strengthen the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG). Other administrative matters will also be reviewed.

Representatives and Coordinators from 13 Offices of Tibet are participating in the annual meeting. Following the conference, a two-day protocol training programme will be held, focusing on international protocol, management of VVIP visits, diplomacy, negotiation, and strategic stakeholder engagement.