International Donor organizations convene in Dharamshala to secure Tibet’s future

Over 20 prominent international donor organizations that have been pivotal in providing funding for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) have gathered in Dharamshala for a two-day CTA Donor Conference. Reports suggest, the inaugural donor conference was held during the 12th cabinet under the leadership of Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.

The conference, convened to discuss strategies for securing Tibet’s future and fostering partnerships for progress, marks the second of its kind. This year’s conference aligns with CTA’s objectives, focusing on meaningful engagement with donors, sharing CTA’s vision, and understanding donors’ objectives and commitments to support CTA’s initiatives.

The inaugural session on August 31, was presided over by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, along with cabinet ministers comprising Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra, Security Kalon Dolma Gyari, Information and International Relations Kalon Norzin Dolma, and Secretaries of the CTA departments.

During his presentation, Sikyong Penpa Tsering elaborated on the 16th Kashag’s Vision Paper, released earlier this year. Sikyong emphasized the document’s significance in seeking a peaceful resolution of the Sino-Tibet conflict while addressing the needs of the Tibetan community in exile, the principal twin missions of the 16th Kashag.

Sikyong underscored the importance of ‘Why Tibet Matters’ within the document, discussing the geo-political and socio-economic-cultural significance of Tibet. He reaffirmed CTA’s commitment to seeking international support until a resolution is reached.

Following Sikyong’s keynote address, Tenzin Norsang of the Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD) delivered a presentation outlining CTA’s initiatives and funding challenges, which will be extensively discussed during the two-day conference.