International Tibet Youth Forum 2026 held at ATWS Dharamshala
By ATWS Staff Editor
ATWS Dharamshala, July 5, 2026: The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), organized the three-day International Tibet Youth Forum 2026 at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society (ATWS), Dharamshala, from 3–5 July 2026. ATWS provided venue and service facilities during the event.
Before the inaugural session commenced, the gathering observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Tibetan martyr Mr. Lobga Ranzen la, who self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 2 July 2026. His sacrifice was a protest against the recently enacted Ethnic Unity and Progress Law of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government and an appeal to draw international attention to the systematic destruction of Tibet’s linguistic, cultural, and national identity inside Tibet.
The forum was formally inaugurated by Sikyong Penpa Tsering la, Kalon of the Department of Information and International Relations, as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Mr. Karma Rinchen la, Secretary, DIIR; Mr. Jonus Kolecki, an expert on German- Polish relations and former Member of the German Parliament; and Mrs. Dukthen Kyi la , Joint Secretary and Head of the Tibet Advocacy Section.
In his welcome address, Mr. Karma Rinchen la outlined the objectives of the forum and noted that this was the fourth International Tibet Youth Forum organized since its inception in 2023 under the 16th Kashag. He explained that the forum seeks to enhance participants’ knowledge, skills and confidence; provide a platform for young Tibetans to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration; and enable participants to formulate effective advocacy strategies based on the real situations inside Tibet and the current global status of the Tibetan freedom movement.
Referring to the Chinese government’s sustained efforts to undermine Tibetan language, culture and identity, he stressed that Tibetans must remain well informed and serve as effective ambassadors for Tibet wherever they go. He also wished the participants a productive and meaningful learning experience.
Following the welcome address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering la delivered his introductory remarks. Before beginning, he paid tribute to all Tibetan self-immolators whose sacrifices were made in protest against Chinese policies in Tibet and to draw international attention to the situation inside Tibet.
The Sikyong remarked that the contemporary world faces increasing conflicts, communal violence, political unrest and natural disasters, many of which are linked to human actions. He urged Tibetans to remain realistic, adaptable and forward-looking while continuing to work collectively for the Tibetan cause.
He explained that successive Kashags have consistently sought to engage younger generations, and that the primary objective of the present forum is to cultivate leadership among Tibetan youth.
Reflecting on the Tibetan struggle, he noted that despite decades in exile, Tibetans have preserved their identity, institutions and democratic system under the visionary leadership of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. As His Holiness has reached ninety-one years of age and the older generation continues to diminish, younger Tibetans must assume greater responsibility for carrying the movement forward.
He explained that the 16th Kashag envisions nurturing a large pool of young leaders. If around one hundred participants attend each forum over ten editions, nearly one thousand trained young leaders could emerge, helping sustain the Tibetan movement for another thirty to forty years.
The Sikyong emphasized that effective leadership requires knowledge, integrity, communication skills and the ability to inspire others. He encouraged participants to engage fully in the programme and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen Tibet advocacy through networking with media, parliamentarians, policymakers and civil society organizations.
He also welcomed the strong participation of young Tibetan women, describing it as an encouraging sign of women’s empowerment, and urged them to develop into future leaders.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Dukthen Kyi, Joint Secretary and Head of the Tibet Advocacy Section.
The three-day forum featured plenary sessions on Keeping Tibet Alive: Youth, Identity and the Struggle for Freedom by Speakers Ven. Geshe Lhakdor la, Director of LTWA and Mr. Tenzin Tsundue la, Tibetan Writer, Poet and Activist ; Bridging Culture, Building Alliances: Communication for Global Tibet Advocacy by Speaker Mr. Tenzin Lekshey la, Executive Director of Tibet Policy Institute; Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation by Speaker Ms. Kate Saunders, Writer, Journalist and Tibet Specilist; Eyewitness Account and Testimony of a Former Tibetan Political Prisoner by Speaker Mr. Gendun Rinchen la, Former Political Prisoner; Voices of Change: Leadership and Advocacy in Times of Conflict by Speaker Mr. Karma Lekshey la and Mrs. Sonam Dechen la of Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolutions and From Clicks to Change: Using Artificial Intelligence and Digital Advocacy for Tibet by Trainer Ms. Marianne Tseten Dolma la.
The forum concluded on 5 July 2026 with a Valedictory Session. Representatives of the participants presented the Forum Declaration. Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel la, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, delivered the special address. Ms. Anjali Rawat, Executive Assistant to the Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (India Office), and Mr. Namgyal Tsewang, Additional Secretary, DIIR delivered Votes of thanks.
Around ninety-eight participants from thirteen regions across the world participated in the forum.
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