Sikyong Penpa Tsering Addresses Tibetan Community in Barcelona

Dharamshala: As part of his ongoing official engagements in Europe, Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed the Tibetan community in Barcelona on 15 November 2024.

Sikyong began his talk by emphasising the importance of explaining Tibet’s political situation to the international community, even at a fundamental level. He acknowledged the critical role of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in keeping Tibet’s cause alive on the world stage for over 65 years, attributing much of the international awareness of Tibet to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s kindness, teachings, and leadership. Sikyong noted that His Holiness’ promise to live beyond 110 years offers the Tibetan people not only a spiritual source of guidance but also a long-term framework for their collective work and encourages the community to remain steadfast in their commitment to His Holiness.

Expanding on the ongoing initiatives of the 16th Kashag (Cabinet), Sikyong Tsering highlighted that the current administration operates with equitable justice and emphasised that the 16th Kashag’s policies are rooted in His Holiness’ vision. One of the key areas of concern, as reported by the Department of Home, Sikyong elaborated, is the housing crisis affecting approximately 1,800 families in exile Tibetan communities. To cope with these challenges, Sikyong acknowledged that the Kashag is implementing a resettlement project aimed at providing housing in consolidated settlements based on families’ economic conditions while assuring that the Central Tibetan Administration is committed to addressing these pressing challenges.

Sikyong also spoke on the importance of international advocacy and collaboration in Tibetan freedom struggle, particularly in light of recent developments such as the U.S. government’s adoption of the Tibet-China Conflict Resolution Act. He emphasised that such achievements result from collective efforts, including the contributions of Tibetan support groups, activists, and international policymakers, not from individual actions alone. The adoption of the Act is a significant step forward, but Sikyong cautioned that it represents only a part of the larger struggle. Furthermore, Sikyong pointed out that the Tibet cause remains a global challenge, requiring continued attention and support to achieve lasting progress.

Turning to the issue of dialogue with China, Sikyong remarked that even if talks were to resume, the prospects for meaningful progress remain uncertain. He reaffirmed the CTA’s commitment to the Middle Way Approach. Additionally, Sikyong also spoke about other key issues concerning the Tibetan freedom struggle.