Antwerp: Secretary of the Office of Tibet in Brussels (Bureau du Tibet), Thinley Wangdue, along with Mélanie Blondelle, representing the International Campaign for Tibet in Europe, attended the 8th founding anniversary of the Regional U-Tsang Association of Belgium in Antwerp on 5 April 2025.

The event was attended by executive members of the Regional U-Tsang Association of Belgium, representatives from the Regional U-Tsang Association of Switzerland, as well as the Presidents of the Regional Dhomey Association of Belgium, Regional Chushi Gangdruk, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association. Other attendees included Geshe Tsetan Phuntsok from the Shedrup Tengye Ling Buddhist Centre, former Tibetan U-Tsang political prisoners, and representatives from the Tibetan Cultural Centre Belgium and Sherab Nangje Weekend Language School.

Following the installation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait and the ceremonial offering of a mandala, an accumulation of the Mani Mantra was conducted for Tibetan martyrs, those who lost their lives during the recent earthquake in Tibet, and in remembrance of His Holiness’ elder brother.

During the celebration, Chief Guest Thinley Wangdue lauded the Regional U-Tsang Association of Belgium for its dedicated support and cooperation with the initiatives and campaigns of the Office of Tibet. He also encouraged attendees to extend their support to the victims of a recent snowstorm that claimed the lives of livestock in the Ladakh Jangthang Tibetan nomadic areas. Furthermore, he spoke about the benevolent contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the arrangements for the year-long celebration of His Holiness’ birthday.

Other dignitaries also addressed the gathering, and traditional performances were presented by various participating associations and groups.

The Regional U-Tsang Association of Belgium, established in 2016, currently has 251 registered members. The establishment of the association followed a unanimous decision by the U-Tsang community residing in Belgium.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels