Read “Tibet 2040: 4 Scenarios on the Future of Tibet” here: https://future-of-tibet.org/en/conference-report-tibet-2040-4-scenarios-on-the-future-of-tibet/
FAQs
Q1: Who were your consultants on this report?
Answer:
For the scenario process we received guidance and training from Reos Partners who address complex societal issues by enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration and help people work together across differences to achieve systemic change.
We were inspired by the early 1990s “Mont Fleur” scenario exercise in South Africa – which brought together diverse leaders to envision the transition from apartheid to democracy.
Q2: Is your scenario approach inclusive enough for Tibetans inside Tibet?
Answer:
Given the difficulties in communication with Tibetans inside Tibet, the whole scenario process was entirely done outside of Tibet. However, we received guidance and input from recent and not so recent arrivals from Tibet, many of whom participated in the workshops.
Q3: What do you expect as a result of this?
Answer:
We expect to contribute to a more open-minded, diverse and transparent discussion about our common possible futures.
Q4: How can the public benefit from this report?
Answer:
In this report the public will find a summary of many views about the future that were expressed in workshops held across the global Tibetan diaspora from New York, Paris, New Delhi and Dharamshala.
Q5: What do you mean by strong “Tibetan unity”?
Answer:
There is no single definition of “Tibetan unity”. In this context it refers to a certain minimum of collaboration and cohesiveness needed in order to achieve strategic goals.
In the workshop discussions, “Tibetan unity” was usually seen in three dimensions: 1. Unity (thundril) between exile Tibetans, 2. Unity between Tibetans in Tibet and 3. Unity between exile Tibetans and Tibetans in Tibet.
Q6: What about the factor of the succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama?
Answer:
The succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was identified as a “Key Concern” and is described in detail in all the scenarios.
Q7: Everything could develop faster or slower than you have estimated. What to do then?
Answer:
Absolutely! We view it as more plausible that these scenarios will develop over many years, but it is of course possible (but less likely) that it can happen in a much shorter time frame. Even if we compress the timeline, we think there are valuable structural insights in these scenarios.
Regarding what to do, we have not focused on any strategy in these different scenarios, as this is something everyone needs to discuss and agree on. We have painted the picture of possible futures. What to do is up to you.
Q8: What about a “Black Swan” element (Think the Unthinkable)?
Answer:
We have tried to include relevant factors in the workshops and categorized them according to importance and certainty. Even if “Black Swan” events happen (natural disasters, pandemics or events which affect key leaders), we still think the key concerns and structural factors remain relevant.
Q9: What about our capacity to grasp opportunities of any sorts in these scenarios?
Answer:
Regarding what to do, we have not focused on any strategy in these different scenarios, as this is something everyone needs to discuss and agree on. We have painted the picture of possible futures. What to do is up to you.
Q10: If someone has ideas, feedback or comments to give on the conference report or the Future of Tibet initiative in general, is there a way to submit these?
Answer:
Yes we welcome all feedback, ideas and comments as long as they are constructive. Please submit via this Google Form: https://forms.gle/RqDqjzCC8rUKWvPy6
