WASHINGTON DC: Ven. Tenpa Yarphel, Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen, and Mr. Jamyang Soepa, members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile are currently on an official visit to Washington DC, the capital city of the United States to attend a leadership conference titled ‘Inter-Ethnic Inter Faith Leadership’.

Over one hundred delegates including representatives from Tibet, Uighur, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Mainland China and Cuba are attending the four-day conference, which began on 27 April.

The inaugural session of the conference began with an introductory remark by Ms. Helen Tao, Vice President of the organising committee.

Mr. Kaydor Aukartsang, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama based in the US, read out the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the conference.

Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay’s message was telecast during the conference to the participants.

Mr. Bhuchung Tsering from the International Campaign for Tibet, and Mr. Lobsang Tseten from Asia-Tibet Co-Ordination Office, read out the messages from their respective offices.

The inaugural session of the conference also saw addresses from Toluring Irha and Tsolo Buchi, representatives from the Uighur and South Mongolian communities respectively.

Besides the Tibetan Parliamentarians, Mr. Sonam Dorje from China desk, DIIR, Mr. Bhuchung Tsering from ICT, Mr. Tashi from Taiwan Tibet Association, took part in the afternoon session, which was moderated by Tsue Pelay from the Uighur Human Rights Commission.

They apprised the participants about the current situation in Tibet, the wave of self-immolations in Tibet, religious freedom and environmental destruction in Tibet, etc. The session was followed by a brief question answer session.

Others attending the conference include Mr. Thubten Samphel, Director of the Tibet Policy Institute, Ms. Tenchoe Gyatso, Mr. Yeshi Tenzin from DIIR, Ms. Pema Yoko, Ms. Tensin Tselha and Mr. Tsepak from Students for a Free Tibet.

The conference will conclude on 30 April.