Coordinator and the members of V-TAG Canada with Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Representative Dr Namgyal Choedup. 

Toronto: The Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) Canada hosting a Dinner Reception in honour of Sikyong Penpa Tsering during his official visit to Canada on Friday, 16 May 2025, at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Center.

Drawing over 300 attendees, the event set a new benchmark for youth-led civic engagement within the Tibetan diaspora. It was the result of weeks of strategic planning and collaboration, and brought together a diverse array of Tibetan community members, elected officials, local government representatives, long-standing allies, and community partners. The evening stood as a powerful testament to the growing leadership of Tibetan youth and their pivotal role in shaping the future of their communities, both within Canada and globally.

The program featured briefings by V-TAG Canada, which offered an in-depth overview of the organisation’s mission, accomplishments to date, and vision for the future—reinforcing its steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and civic engagement. A special video compilation highlighted V-TAG representatives from across Canada, celebrating Tibetan youth leadership on a national scale and underscoring a sense of cross-regional unity. One of the evening’s standout moments was a 30-minute youth panel discussion led by V-TAG team members, which thoughtfully explored themes such as identity, civic responsibility, and the role of youth in community building. The panel was widely praised for its authenticity and depth.

Cultural expression also played a central role in the evening, with performances that deeply resonated with the audience. These included a heartfelt musical piece by a V-TAG team member, a captivating act by former TIPA artists, and a vibrant presentation from the Toronto Nashoen youth group. Adding to the evening’s significance, Alexa Gilmour, Member of Provincial Parliament, delivered a message recognising V-TAG and the contributions of Tibetan youth to Canada’s multicultural fabric and democratic future.

The success of the event was made possible through the tireless dedication of over 50 volunteers and 15 core V-TAG team members, along with the generous support of more than 20 sponsors and numerous individual donors. Notably, the event achieved full financial sustainability, marking a key milestone in ensuring the long-term impact of V-TAG’s initiatives.

Reflecting on the event, V-TAG Canada Coordinator Tenzin Wangmo emphasised the importance of building a resilient, community-driven foundation for youth engagement. “Dinner With Sikyong was not only a celebration of who we are today, but a launching point for what we aim to become. It affirmed that our community believes in the power and potential of our youth.” She further added, “VTAG Canada extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening, recognising that this collective effort continues to inspire and empower a new generation of Tibetan leaders.”

-Report filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR, CTA