Ottawa: On September 22, 2025, the 6th Peace Rally Marathon for Tibet, which began in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, and concluded in Toronto, came to a close in front of the Chinese Consulate in Toronto. This peace marathon was initiated in 2020 by Pema Kunga, a young Tibetan who came to Canada as part of the Tibetan Resettlement Project, which resettled 1,000 Tibetans, and has now continued for six years.
The purpose of this peace rally marathon is to express support for the Canadian government and the international community in response to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Kashag’s public announcement declaring this year as the Year of Compassion, dedicated to honouring His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday until July 2026. The primary objective of this initiative is to raise awareness—both in writing and through spoken word—about the critical situation in Tibet under Chinese rule, including its political, cultural, and environmental conditions, with particular emphasis on the current urgent challenges. Through this effort, the organisers seek to garner greater international support for the Tibetan people’s nonviolent struggle for freedom.
The 6th Peaceful Rally March for Tibet Advocacy concluded on September 28 in front of the Chinese Consulate in Toronto. The rally, aimed at raising awareness for Tibet through nonviolent means, was led by Pema Kunga, Dawa Norbu, Dechen Wangdue, and Kalden Wangchuk. Although the Representative of North America was invited, he was on an official visit to Wisconsin. As the Representative was on an official visit to the state of Wisconsin, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering was scheduled to visit Ottawa from 28 September onwards, the Representative was required to accompany him. The Representative was unable to attend the closing ceremony in person but sent a letter of appreciation to all the participants.
In the letter of appreciation, the Representative of North America expressed his admiration and praise for the peace rally marathon, which served as the voice of the people in occupied Tibet and successfully carried out the 6th Peace Rally Marathon for Tibet in Canada. He stated that this initiative would certainly be very beneficial in highlighting the current critical situation inside Tibet to the international community, based on the initial objectives.
He also expressed hope and confidence that the selfless dedication and good example shown by these activists would inspire others, resulting in more participants and supporters for the 7th Peace Rally Marathon for Tibet next year. He concluded by thanking all the participants and all those who supported the initiative in various ways.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
