Dharamsala, 2 June 2026: Chaired by Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the first session of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, scheduled from 2 to 3 June, approved all six Kalons (Ministers) nominated by Sikyong Penpa Tsering for the 17th Kashag (Cabinet).

The house elected Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, Cabinet Secretary; Palden Dhondup, Secretary of Department of Home; Tsering Dhondup, Secretary of Department of Finance; Ugyen Tenzin, former Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Former Dharamshala Bureau Chief of the Voice of America (VOA) Tibetan Service; Kunga Tashi, Tibetan Liaison Officer with the Office of Tibet in Washington, D.C.; and Pema Tso, Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile for the posts of 17th Kashag’s Kalons.

The opening day of the session commenced at 9:30 a.m. with the Speaker’s session announcement marking the start of proceedings.

The session began with the singing of the Tibetan national anthem in the parliamentary hall. Present were Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, and Members of Parliament. This was followed by the Speaker’s opening address and the appointment of the Acting Speaker and members of the Ad Hoc Committee.

In her opening remarks, the Speaker emphasized the shared objective of resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict and called on members to work cooperatively toward achieving common goals. She also urged members to maintain respect and decorum in their language and conduct during parliamentary proceedings. The House was subsequently briefed on the Parliament’s key responsibilities, including legislative work, oversight of the administration, Tibet advocacy and outreach initiatives, and periodic visits to Tibetan settlements and communities. Members were also introduced to the agenda for the two-day session.

Under the fifth item of business, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration extended his congratulations to the newly elected Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. He particularly highlighted the historic election of Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang as the first woman to hold the position.

Thereafter, Parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel presented the official solidarity motion on the critical situations inside Tibet, which was supported by Parliamentarian Lopon Thubten Gyaltsen. The official solidarity motion highlighted the critical situation inside Tibet.

Today’s sitting witnessed approval of six nominees for the post of Kalon, nominated by the Sikyong. Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi was approved for appointment as Kalon with 30 votes in favour and 14 votes against. Palden Dhondup was approved unanimously by the House. Tsering Dhondup was approved with 33 votes in favour and 11 votes against. Ugyen Tenzin secured approval as Kalon with 24 votes in favour and 20 votes against. Kunga Tashi was approved for appointment as Kalon with 29 votes in favour and 15 votes against. Pema Tso was approved as Kalon with 30 votes in favour and 13 votes against.

The first day of the 1st session of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was adjourned at 5 pm.