
Tibetan Civil Society Organisations Convene in Copenhagen to Strategise for Tibet Advocacy.
Copenhagen: The Second Meeting of Local-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Office of Tibet, London, commenced this afternoon in Copenhagen, Denmark on 30 January 2025. Organised by the Office of Tibet, London, in collaboration with the Tibet Support Committee and the Tibetan Community in Denmark, the meeting brings together key advocates working for the Tibetan cause.
A total of 25 participants from eight countries—namely the UK, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark— attended. This gathering builds upon the first edition of the meeting, held in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 2023.
The primary objective of the meeting is to examine and adopt advocacy tactics similar to those employed by US-based actors in pushing for the Tibet Resolve Act, adapting them for the European context. The overarching theme of the CSO Meeting is “Changing the Government’s Narrative on Tibet.”.
Representative Tsering Yangkey inaugurated the meeting with a welcoming address, acknowledging the crucial role of the local hosts in Denmark in facilitating the event. She introduced and thanked the resource persons—Wangpo Tethong, Executive Director of International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Europe; Mandie McKeown, Executive Director of the International Tibet Network and Gloria Montgomery of the Tibet Justice Centre. She urged all participants to maximise the opportunity for constructive discussions and networking.
The opening session featured Pernille Frahm, a former Member of Parliament from the Socialist People’s Party, as the Guest Speaker. Reflecting on her longstanding association with the Tibetan cause, Frahm recalled her childhood connection with Tibet, her visit to Dharamshala and an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She encouraged participants to remain open to innovative ideas and to seize unexpected opportunities in their advocacy efforts. Throughout the afternoon, she actively engaged in discussions, sharing her political experience and insights.
Following the inaugural session, Wangpo Tethong led an interactive group discussion on the central theme of the meeting, fostering thought-provoking exchanges among participants.
In the evening session, Uffe Elbæk, former MP of the Alternative Party and former Minister for Culture observed the discussions and shared his reflections. He remarked on the shifting global political landscape, cautioning Tibetans against over-reliance on the US while advocating for stronger alliances with European partners in countering China’s occupation of Tibet. He also suggested drawing inspiration from the powerful visuals and narrative of Greenland’s historic football match against Tibet to amplify awareness and support.
A moment of collective celebration followed as participants welcomed the successful establishment of the Tibet Friendship Group in the European Parliament with a congratulatory banner. They extended their gratitude to Dainius Žalimas, MEP, for his leadership in chairing the group.
Additionally, the session featured a special presentation by anthropologist Ellen Bangsbo, who showcased a PowerPoint presentation featuring her photographs from her visits to Tibet, offering a rare glimpse into Tibetan life and culture under Chinese rule.
The CSO Meeting will continue for a full day on 31 January, concluding with an evening session. On 1 February, representatives of Tibetan communities under the Office of Tibet, London—including from the UK, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark—will convene for discussions on Tibetan matters, with the expected participation of a significant number of young Danish-Tibetans.
The meeting underscores a renewed commitment to strategic advocacy and coalition-building, strengthening the Tibetan movement’s presence and influence in Europe.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London







