Brisbane: As part of the final leg of his maiden visit to Australia, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration arrived in Brisbane following the successful completion of engagements in Melbourne on the afternoon of 23 June 2023.

Upon disembarkation, Sikyong was cordially received by Tibetan parliamentarian Tenzin Phuntsok Doring, President and executive members of the Queensland Tibetan Community and Tibetan residents of Brisbane.

Thereupon, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, as the Chief Guest, attended the 15th Festival of Tibet in Brisbane hosted by Tibetan artist Tenzin Choegyal where he conversed with Sarah Kanowski, host of the ABC Radio National program ‘Conversations’, on the topic “Homeland” in a special event of the Festival.

Sikyong talked about the geo-political significance of the Tibetan plateau, the vital roles of the major Tibetan rivers in the Asian subcontinent, and the PRC’s sinicization of Tibet through the establishment of a massive system of colonial boarding schools during the conversation. He also presented an introduction to the Central Tibetan Administration’s framework and functions and how it strives to resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict through a mutually beneficial Middle Way Approach policy.

Furthermore, Sikyong lauded Tenzin Choegyal-led organising committees for holding the Festival of Tibet, adding the likes of it to create a platform to advocate the Tibetan issue.

On 24 June, Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed the Brisbane Tibetan community before concluding his maiden official visit to New Zealand and Australia.