Washington DC: The 23rd Annual Conference of the North America Tibetan Associations was held from 31 August to 2 September 2025, in Minnesota, with 40 participants representing 21 Tibetan associations from across the United States and Canada.

Organised by the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, the three-day conference was graced by the presence of two Tibetan Parliamentarians representing the Americas, the Representative of the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC, the Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee, the Secretary of the Office of Tibet, and the Tibetan Liaison Officer for North America.

On the evening prior to the conference, an orientation and networking session was held, allowing participants to connect and introduce themselves in an informal setting.

Throughout the three-day event, in-depth deliberations were held on nine key agenda items. These included the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, organising prayer ceremonies for a swift resolution to the Tibet-China conflict, initiatives for the Year of Compassion, advocacy efforts, concerns related to Tibetan weekend cultural and language schools, the Tibetan Voluntary Contribution Book (Green Book or Chatrel), the Solidarity Partnership (Blue Book), and the promotion of Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning.

On the concluding day, a 31-clause resolution was unanimously adopted, along with two special resolutions, expressing admiration for the courageous dedication of Tibetans inside Tibet and showing solidarity with the repressive situation they are under. The other was a resolution aimed at commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 2008 Tibetan Uprising held across the globe. A letter undersigned by all participants, expressing gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was also issued.

During the closing ceremony, Tenzin Lhamo, President of the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, extended appreciation to all participants and facilitators on behalf of the host association and its executive members. Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup delivered the closing address, while the Tibetan Liaison Officer presented the vote of thanks, formally concluding the 23rd Annual Conference and announcing the next meeting, scheduled for 4 September 2026.

Coinciding with the closing day of the conference was the 65th Tibetan Democracy Day. To mark the occasion, the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota hosted a celebration event with the conference participants.

The programme began with a reading of statements from the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, presented by Minnesota Association Secretary Tenzin Wangdue. This was followed by an introduction to the updated guidelines for exile Tibetan community members visiting Tibet. President Tenzin Lhamo then addressed the gathering, reflecting on the significance of the day. The Tibetan Liaison Officer briefed attendees on the conference and its results.

The chief guest, Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the democratic rights and responsibilities of Tibetans, the importance of understanding Kashag’s guidelines, and updates on key initiatives, including the “Tibet Town” project and the establishment of a Charter School for Tibetans in Minnesota.

The event concluded with the presentation of recognition certificates to two long-time local supporters of the Tibetan cause, followed by cultural performances that celebrated Tibetan identity and spirit.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC