The third International Tibet Youth Forum of DIIR, CTA, 2025 is underway at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society, Dharamshala. – Administrative Training and Welfare Society

The third International Tibet Youth Forum of DIIR, CTA, 2025 is underway at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society, Dharamshala

By ATWS Staff Editor

ATWS Dharamshala 4th July, 2025: A three-day International Tibet Youth Forum from July 3-5, 2025, is underway at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society, Dharamshala. ATWS is facilitating the event with venue and service facilities.

Organized by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) for the 3rd time since the inception of the program in 2023, the forum aims to equip young Tibetans with knowledge, skills, and strategies for effective Tibet advocacy by providing them with a shared space to exchange ideas, raise concerns, discuss challenges, and collectively explore a forward-looking and strategic path in Tibetans’ struggle for justice and freedom.

The event was inaugurated yesterday morning by Chief Guest Mr. Richard Gere, Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), in the presence of Additional Secretary and Spokesperson of the CTA, Tenzin Lekshey la, and other dignitaries. Approximately 95 Tibetan youth from over 15 countries are participating in the forum.

The event is being led by a total of nine prominent speakers and facilitators including Honorable Sikyong Penpa Tsering la of CTA, Ama Jetsun Pema la ( Mrs.) , Former Kalon and Former President of Tibetan Children’s Village and Kungoe Lobsang Jinpa Nampheltsang ( Mr.), Secretary of Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Tenzin Lekshey la welcomed the gathering and thanked Mr. Richard Gere la for his presence, which he believed , would be inspirational to the youth with his own long standing experiences and engagement in Tibet Advocacy.

Sharing about the enormous efforts made by CTA in organizing such large forums, he encouraged the young participants to further strengthen their networking, given the global significance of Tibetan Movement for the larger humanity and not just for Tibetans, as His Holiness has always wished for, while emphasizing their crucial role in Tibet Advocacy.

Following that, Chief Guest Mr. Gere delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of Tibet advocacy beyond politics and nationhood. He encouraged the young participants to nurture deeper human qualities and approach their responsibilities with a holistic perspective given the potential of Tibet advocacy to serve humanity as a whole.

After the key note address, a recorded message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, highlighting the In-depth wisdom of nurturing genuine compassion to serve humanity, was screened for the participants.

The Opening Ceremony concluded with vote of thanks by Mrs. Dukthen Kyi la, Head of Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR, CTA.

The forum features various sessions, including training and workshops, plenary sessions, dialogues, networking, and mentorship. It also includes a celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and a cultural immersion program.