Over 30 young Tibetans, mainly from the Tibetan Youth Association (V-TAG), representing six European countries—Sweden, the UK, Norway, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—gathered in Stockholm for a three-day strategic meeting aimed at advancing the Tibetan movement. Organized by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the event focused on empowering youth to take leadership roles in advocating for Tibet’s rights and sovereignty.
The meeting kicked off with a welcome address from Lobsang, President of the Tibetan Community in Sweden, who emphasized the significance of the gathering in uniting the Tibetan youth across Europe. Tenzin Lekshay, the DIIR’s Official Spokesperson and Additional Secretary for International Relations, delivered the opening speech, urging the younger generation to continue the Tibetan struggle. He called on the participants to become the future leaders of the movement, emphasizing that their efforts are crucial in raising global awareness about Tibet’s challenges and asserting its rights.
On the first day, Mattias Bjornerstedt, Chairperson of the Swedish Tibet Committee, spoke about the evolving challenges and opportunities for Tibetan advocacy in Europe. He stressed the importance of solidarity among European Tibetans to garner stronger international support for Tibet’s autonomy and human rights. V-TAG country coordinators from the UK, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands also shared reports on past advocacy efforts, showcasing progress made in their regions. They outlined future strategies to engage European political leaders, raise awareness about Tibet’s political situation, and foster solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet, who continue to face repression.
In the afternoon, participants took part in a workshop led by Wangpo Tethong, Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Europe. Tethong focused on advocacy skills, highlighting the importance of targeted campaigns, compelling narratives, and strategic partnerships in advancing the Tibetan cause. The session allowed participants to refine their messaging and advocacy tactics to ensure their voices were heard in international forums and by policymakers.
The day concluded with a cultural celebration, featuring traditional Tibetan dances that underscored the resilience and cultural heritage central to the Tibetan movement. The event served as a reminder of the need to preserve Tibetan identity amidst ongoing Chinese repression, reinforcing the broader struggle for freedom, human rights, and cultural survival.
This gathering in Stockholm marked a significant moment in the growing role of Tibetan youth in the international movement for Tibet’s rights. By equipping these young leaders with the tools and knowledge to strengthen their advocacy, the event ensured they were prepared to continue challenging China’s repression of Tibet. It also reaffirmed the commitment to Tibet’s ongoing struggle for autonomy, human rights, and the preservation of its unique cultural identity.
