New Delhi, 13th December 2024: The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has organized a three-day strategic meeting, scheduled from December 13th to 15th, 2024, in Delhi. The meeting began earlier today with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in attendance.

Today’s session included interactive discussions with several distinguished speakers: MP Shri Tapir Gao, Co-Chair of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Prof. Sunaina Sing, Former Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University and Former Vice President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR); Amb. Dilip Sinha, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva & Former Ambassador; and Ms. Sonam Dechen, Associate Director of the Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution.

In his opening remarks, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, alongside Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and the parliamentarians, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the significance of organizing this meeting, which brings together a distinguished array of dignitaries and experts.

The Speaker, in highlighting the key issues to be discussed during the meeting, emphasized the importance of amplifying the Tibetan struggle, enhancing diplomatic skills, and improving international protocol. The Speaker concluded by advising all participating parliamentarians to make valuable contributions to this strategic meeting.

Shri Tapir Gao, in his address, underscored the significance of his participation in the meeting, noting that “Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama are not only important to Tibetans but to the entire world.”

He also raised concerns about China’s interference in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process, as well as the ongoing cultural genocide, economic marginalization, and other critical challenges faced by Tibetans within Tibet.

Finally, he stressed that the world should recognize Tibet’s non-violent struggle and just cause, extending his best wishes for the success of the meeting.

Today’s program included an interactive session with All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum on Tibet’s Co-Chair Shri Tapir Gao, as well as discussion on enhancing reach out to think tanks and educational institutions and on enhancing the just cause of Tibet in the foreign policy of India, and deliberation on conflict resolution through peaceful approach.