Chicago: Tibetan Parliamentarians Karma Gelek, Lobsang Gyatso Sither, and Tenzin Choezin attended the International Leaders Forum from 19th to 22nd August organized by National Democratic Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile were invited to participate in this forum to connect with leaders from around the world.
On the 19th, Parliamentarian Choezin was invited to take part in an exclusive official site visit to the Obama Foundation along with a few other youth political leaders from across the globe including Members of Parliament and Activists. The following evening, the parliamentarians took part in the opening night reception and the convention watch party which was a wonderful opportunity to view the convention, discuss the convention proceedings, and network with global political leaders.
During the forum, the parliamentarians engaged with fellow participants by sharing the current situation inside Tibet and also taking part in engaging with the speakers by asking questions while raising the issue of Tibet and how Tibet had and continues to have bi-partisan support in the US congress and how the foreign policy discussions during the current election cycle is something that is not only relevant for Tibet but the global audience as well.
Also during the International Leader’s Forum, Parliamentarian Choezin was invited to take part in the panel: ‘Next generation of democracy’ along with other panelists; Anta Babacar angon Diack, CEO/ Presidential candidate, ARC and Pascale Solages, Founding member of Nou P’ap Damo, Haiti. The panel was moderated by Rue Barcott from With Honor Institute, NDI Board of Directors.
The discussion focused on the emerging trends and ideas that are driving the next generation of global democracy leaders featuring young political leaders making a difference in their communities.
Ms Choezin raised the issue of Tibet, introducing the exile democratic setup and the critical situation of Human Rights inside Tibet as the Center of the discussion. She emphasised the uniqueness of the exile Tibetan democracy while also touching upon how the Tibetan people’s political movement has timely restructured itself in order to connect with the youth by carrying out initiatives through conventions and conclaves like International Tibetan Youth Forum and Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group among others.
