“Seeds for the Future”: The Week-Long “Future of Tibet” Conference Gets Underway in Dharamshala
6 November, 2023, Dharamshala
Almost 100 – largely younger – Tibetans from six different countries have come together in Dharamshala to discuss the future of Tibet. The conference opened officially the morning of 6 November and will continue until 10 November.
Preceding the conference, a successful one day seminar on 3 November in New Delhi was held on “Charting the Course: India’s Strategic Role in Tibet’s Future”. The seminar was blessed by His Eminence Kundeling Rinpoche with Ambassador Kanwal Sibal giving the Keynote Speech.
The Future of Tibet Dharamshala conference in Dharamshala will explore a range of topics including the geopolitics of Tibet, China and India; Tibetan unity; Tibetan identity; Connecting Tibetans between places and generations; Future paths for Tibet including self-determination and facing up to the future after His Holiness. The conference is comprised of three panel discussions, scenario planning workshops aiming to discuss key concerns, opportunities and to develop narratives for the future.
“It is exciting that so many Tibetans are invested in thinking and talking about the future and willing to prepare for it. Even though we may not all share the same views and may disagree with each other, it’s important to create a space where we can have open discussions and embrace our society’s diversity. I look forward to the week ahead!” said Wangpo Tethong, co-founder of the Future of Tibet project.
For the duration of the conference, in parallel, a group of artists collaborate in the creation of an artwork responding to the topic of the conference.
The Conference’s keynote speech will be given by former Special Envoy to His Holiness Kelsang Gyaltsen. Panel speakers include Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, Dr Dawa Lokyitsang, Geshe Lobsang Monlam, Pema Chagzoetsang, Passang Tsering, Phenthok, Lobsang Yeshi, Gonpo Dhondup and Dr Gyal Lo (joining virtually).
The artists’ group members are Kesang Lamdark, Karma Sichoe, Ngoshi, Tashi Nyima, Tenzin Melak and Tenzin Gyurmey.
The Future of Tibet is an independent civil society initiative hoping to bring Tibetans together and to unite in the spirit of taking responsibility for, and an interest in, Tibet’s future. The Organising Committee is a small group of individuals from all corners of society with no formal or institutional affiliation who believe in the strength of unity as well as in the force of diversity. The first Future of Tibet conference took place in Washington DC in April 2022. A European conference followed in November 2022 in Paris, France and a youth conference was held in New York in April 2023.
Participants of the conference are required to pay a registration fee, the event is supported by the Guiseppe Kaiser Foundation and there is also an online crowdfunding campaign to help to cover costs.
Useful links:
[1] Conference Schedule: https://future-of-tibet.org/en/the-future-of-tibet-dharamshayla-schedule/
[2] Future of Tibet Crowdfunding Appeal: https://www.gofundme.com/f/shaping-the-future-of-tibet
Media Contacts:
Tashi Lamsang (Tibetan): +91 85271 47721
Dechen Pemba (English): +91 83686 05635