Einsiendeln, Switzerland, January 24 – Over 50 Tibetans from 17 countries gathered at Einsiedeln, Switzerland to attend “Shaping the future of Tibet” – a conference on Tibetan self-determination and Individual activism.
The two days conference from January 24-25 is co-organised by the Tibetan Youth Association Europe, Switzerland and Committee of 100 for Tibet. During the conference, the participants will discuss self-determination of the Tibetan issue and how to advance individual activism amongst the Tibetans.
On the eve of the conference, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen as a guest speaker spoke on Dharamsala-Beijing Delegation-Diplomacy. Mr Gyaltsen was a member of the Tibetan delegation who visited Tibet and China in 2002 and 2003.
A number of participants questioned the sincerity of the Chinese as well as the Tibetan government’s policy on dialogue with China during the question and answer session. Participants said that we must continue if not increase the activities protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
In his keynote address, Mr Tenzin Sewo the President of the Tibetan Youth Association Europe said that TYAE’s position on Tibetan issue was complete independence for Tibet. However, he said that the conference helps to create a better understanding of the Tibetan issue. He reminded fellow Tibetans that all Tibetans have a special responsibility toward the Tibetan struggle and Tibetans must have faith and conviction in their struggle.
In conclusion, he said that if the Tibetan issue wasn’t resolved soon “I believe we are in danger of becoming a museum exhibit.”
Co-organiser Mr Tenzin N Tethong in his address said a large gathering of fellow Tibetans shows the urgency and importance of such a conference and provides an opportunity to discuss the Tibetan issue by the Tibetans.
Jamyang Norbu, a renowned Tibetan writer and activist said that we must not shy away Rangzen – Tibetan independence.
This afternoon Losang C Rabgey from Washington, DC will speak on “The principle for self-determination” and then Kasur Sonam Topgyal on “The Role of the individuals in Tibetan cause.”
The conference will conclude tomorrow and the delegates aims to produce a declaration of the conference.
This is the first non-government conference organised by the Tibetans for the Tibetans. Most the of participants are key activist in their respective country of refuge. Delegates to the conference have come far as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, America, India, Nepal and various part of Europe including Russia.
