CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay offering white scarf to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the beginning of Five-Fifty Forum: Towards a Resilient Tibetan Community. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / Tibet.Net
A four-day Five-Fifty forum was held on “Building a Resilient Tibetan Community” in Dharamsala from 13-16 September 2018. Organised by the Department of Finance, the forum was the third part of the Kashag’s Five-Fifty Vision that was launched in October 2017.
The four main themes discussed at the Forum were Sustaining Tibetan Culture, Strengthening Tibetan Education, Economic Development of the Tibetan Community, and A Healthier Tibetan Community.
Presentation on Theme 1: Sustaining Tibetan Culture. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / Tibet.Net
Presentation on theme 2: Strengthening Tibetan Education. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / Tibet.Net
Presentation on theme 3: Towards a Healthier Tibetan Community. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / Tibet.Net
Presentation on theme 4: Economic Development of Tibetan Community. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / Tibet.Net
It was the largest Five-Fifty session held with over 250 participants and expert speakers from around the world. In attendance were also Central Tibetan Administration’s major donors, including USAID.
Ann Marie Yastishock, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, USAID and CTA President Dr. Lobsang Sangay delivered the two keynote addresses. Ms Yastishock stated: “Through the Tibetan self-reliance and resilience program, the CTA, Tibet Fund, and USAID are all working together to put into place, policies, and programs that strengthen the Tibetan diaspora community.”
The six Kalons gave introductory remarks on their respective departments to before the participants deliberated on the main themes.
In his concluding remarks, President Sangay thanked the donors, expert speakers, and participants for their time and contribution during the intensive four-day forum. He further stated that in order to bring about any meaningful change or development within the Tibetan community, it is first essential to understand the cultural background and the values and principles which define the Tibetans.
Some glimpses of netizens’ reactions on the Five-Fifty Forum: Towards a Resilient Tibetan Community:
Live broadcast of Opening Ceremony of Five-Fifty Forum: Towards a Resilient Tibetan Community. Photo / Screengrab / @TibetTV / Facebook
Live broadcast of Five-Fifty Forum: Introductory remarks by CTA Kalons and Keynote address by President Dr Lobsang Sangay. Photo / Screengrab / @TibetTV / Facebook
Live broadcast of Five-Fifty Forum: Presentation on theme 1-Sustaining Tibetan Culture. Photo / Screengrab / @TibetTV / Facebook
Live broadcast of Five-Fifty Forum: Presentation on theme 2-Strengthening Tibetan Education. Photo / Screengrab / @TibetTV / Facebook
Live broadcast of Five-Fifty Forum: Presentation on theme 3- Towards a Healthier Tibetan Community. Photo / Screengrab / @TibetTV / Facebook
Live broadcast of Five-Fifty Forum: Presentation on theme 4-Economic Development of Tibetan Community. Photo / Screengrab / @TibetTV / Facebook
Live broadcast of Five-Fifty Forum: Special Presentation on Sustainable Cultural Tourism, Public-Private Partnerships, and Impact Investment. Photo / Screengrab / @TibetTV / Facebook
A Facebook user @PeaceTibetPeace writes: “Great job, I respect you all.” Photo / Screengrab / @PeaceTibetPeace / Facebook
A Facebook user @DechenTashi writes: “I wish there was more time for questions and answers. That way people watching this discussion will either learn something from their questions or contribute opinions and comments that might make better sense.” Photo / Screengrab / @DechenTashi / Facebook
A Facebook user @TashiGyatso writes: “Excellent discussion. Thank you CTA.” Photo / Screengrab / @TashiGyatso / Facebook
A Facebook user @KarmaChozom writes: “Thanks for your excellent explanation about Five-Fifty Forum.” Photo / Screengrab / @KarmaChozom / Facebook
A Facebook user @MikeMorin writes: “Would love to see and hear Dr. Lobsang Sangay in Massachusetts someday.” Photo / Screengrab / @MikeMorin / Facebook
A Facebook user @IanJackson writes: “I would love to meet(panelists of the Five-Fifty Forum) them and chat.” Photo / Screengrab / @IanJackson / Facebook
