Dharamshala: Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile gave his address at the valedictory session of the International Tibet Youth Forum (ITYF) on 5th July 2024. The ITYF, organized by the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, was held at D’Polo Club and Spa Resort, Dharamshala from 3rd to 5th July 2024, was attended by over 100 Tibetan youth from 13 countries.

Addressing the gathering, the Speaker applauded each participant for their dedication and participation in the conference. He began by discussing the evolution of Tibetan democracy, a long-aspired vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He highlighted how His Holiness’s observation of the Indian parliament in 1956 inspired the establishment of a fair and just Tibetan democratic system. Ultimately, this vision culminated in the bestowment of Tibetan democracy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan people.

In addition to outlining the evolution, composition, and undertakings of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the Speaker provided a brief introduction to its advocacy programs, such as the International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT) and the World Parliamentarian Convention on Tibet (WPCTs). The Speaker also highlighted the Parliament-in-Exile’s periodic visitation programs, adoption of 27 rules and regulations and other relevant undertakings to the participants of the ITYF.

Speaking about the alarming sinicizing policies of China in Tibet and on the imperative of advancing Tibet advocacy on the international stage, the Speaker emphasized the importance of forging strong alliances with global leaders as well as the general public to counter China’s persistent efforts to create obstacles and propagate misinformation.

He concluded his address emphasizing the need to shift the Tibetan cause from China’s claimed ‘internal matter’ to an international concern, based on the facts of history, climate change, geopolitics, and other relevant factors.