London, 8 September 2025: The Office of Tibet, London, organised the second and final phase of the Tibetan University Students Workshop 2025 on Sunday, 7 September, at Tibet House, London.

Despite disruptions caused by a city-wide tube strike, 11 Tibetan students attended, demonstrating “professionalism, commitment and responsibility,” traits that the organisers commended are vital for young Tibetans stepping into leadership roles.

The workshop aimed to encourage Tibetan university students to raise awareness of Tibet among their peers by trying to start Tibet Societies in their universities and host Tibet events while studying in the UK. Under the supervision of the office, the workshop was designed by Office of Tibet intern Tenzin Chonzom with input from Dr. Tara Lhamo, UK national coordinator for V-TAG, featuring presentations, discussions and student experience sharing.

Representative Tsering Yangkey warmly welcomed the students. She underlined the importance of maintaining Tibetan identity, urging them to speak Tibetan both among themselves and with their families. Introducing the Middle Way Policy, she explained its role as the official approach of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and handed out a one-page brief for the students to reflect on.

Tenzin Norphel Wilberforce, a Cambridge University graduate, spoke about his university experience and the importance of balancing studies with career-oriented extracurriculars and later led a discussion session on the geopolitics of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s succession.

Dr. Tara Lhamo spoke about her learning experiences at the International Tibet Youth Forum and Cultural Immersion Programme in Dharamshala, recalling a powerful exchange with a new arrival from Tibet who said he felt inspired by seeing her in a video of diaspora protests against China’s dam project in Dege—proof that Tibetan voices abroad do reach home. She encouraged the participants to consider attending such forums in the future. UK participants to the forum Tenzin Choenyi Tsering and Tenzin Dhadon Dorjee echoed this, saying such forums deepened their understanding of Tibet while motivating them to become stronger advocates.

Tenzin Chonzom introduced students to the UK political landscape, spotlighting Tibet advocacy groups and reminding them of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments.

Secretary Tenzin Kunga followed with a presentation on the democratic structure of the Central Tibetan Administration. Encouraging the students to organise Tibet events at their universities, he assured them of the Office of Tibet’s full support.

Participants also viewed recent BBC coverage on Tibet, one showing the restrictions Tibetans face in discussing His Holiness’s 90th birthday, the other capturing exiles’ longing for home and freedom.

During the final brainstorming session, the participants frankly exchanged views, sharing personal experiences and offering their takes on important Tibet matters.

At the close of the programme, mementos made of Tibetan handicrafts were presented to all participants. Representative Yangkey also extended gratitude to all those who supported both phases of the workshop, particularly Dr. Tsering Topgyal of Birmingham University, who served as the key resource person during the first phase.

The workshop ended on a practical note: each student pledged to organise Tibet-related events during their time at university, with one chosen to act as accountability officer. Yet the conversations did not stop there—long after the official close, students and speakers stayed on at the Tibet House and continued their discussions with the same energy.

Representative Tsering Yangkey was deeply moved by what she witnessed: “I found the determination, drive and enthusiasm of these young Tibetan students to do their best for Tibet very inspiring and endearing.”

One participant described the day as “deeply informative and inspiring. I learned a lot about the current situation in Tibet, shared my personal experiences and felt truly moved by the dedication of UK-born Tibetan youth.”

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London