Dharamshala: A delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, consisting of parliamentarians Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, and Konchok Yangphel, successfully concluded their Europe Tibet advocacy tour in the Scandinavian countries-Denmark, Sweden, and Norway-from January 23rd to 29th, 2025. After wrapping up their program in Sweden on January 28th, the Tibetan parliamentarians, accompanied by the Representative and Secretary of the Office of Tibet London, travelled to Oslo, Norway. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the president and executive members of the Norwegian Tibetan community, who briefed the delegation on the grievances of two Tibetans residing in Norway.
On January 29th, the delegation visited the Norwegian Parliament, where they were guided by Namgyal Tsomo, an executive member of the Norwegian Tibet Committee. Members of the Norwegian Parliament, Rasmus Hansson and Dag Inge Ulstein, led the delegation on a tour of the parliamentary facilities, including the Nobel Peace Prize signing hall and the old parliament chamber, providing detailed insights into the history and function of each space. Following the tour, a Tibet-related meeting was held in one of the parliament buildings, chaired by MP Rasmus Hansson (Green Party). The meeting was attended by MP Dag Inge Ulstein (Christian Democratic Party), MP Ola Elvestuen (Liberal Party), and the Foreign Policy Adviser to the Conservative Party. During the discussion, various important issues related to Tibet were raised, including the critical situation inside Tibet. The meeting featured an exchange of questions and answers, and strong appeals were made for increased international support for the Tibetan cause, making it a meaningful and constructive session.
A lunch meeting was hosted by the Norwegian Tibet Committee at the Grand Hotel, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama stayed when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. During the lunch, participants discussed ongoing advocacy efforts and other Tibet-related issues. The meeting was attended by director Merethe Lind Jodalen and executive member Namgyal Tsomo of the Norwegian Tibet Committee, as well as the director of the Voice of Tibet, a radio station based in Norway. Parliamentarian Geshe Monlam Tharchin also gave an interview to the Voice of Tibet about their advocacy tour.
The delegation then visited the Nobel Peace Center, where they were given a tour by the center’s education officer, who briefed them on the various exhibits. This was followed by a meeting with key officials, which was organized by the Norwegian Tibet Committee’s director and member Seldon.
In the evening, a dinner meeting was held with the Tibetan community in Oslo. The attendees were briefed on the delegation’s advocacy program and discussed ways to collaborate more effectively in support of the Tibetan cause. They also addressed various political questions from the public, successfully concluding their official advocacy tour in Scandinavia.