Dharamshala: Sikyong Penpa Tsering, having secured a second consecutive mandate by attaining a majority in the first phase of the 2026 Tibetan general election, was formally sworn in on 27 May 2026 as the head of the 17th Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Following Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s assumption of office, numerous messages of congratulations and best wishes were received from Tibetan and non-Tibetan institutions, civil society organisations, and individuals in recognition of his continued leadership. Among those extending their felicitations were ministers, legislators, and senior government officials, including Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, and members of parliamentary support groups for Tibet from various countries. These messages were conveyed through personal correspondence, in-person greetings, emails, and other official channels. Many friends and supporters of Tibet have also shared their congratulations across various social media platforms through posts and tweets.

Likewise, on the afternoon of the swearing-in ceremony, a large number of Tibetans, attending either in their personal capacity or as representatives of various institutions and non-governmental organisations, gathered at the Sikyong’s office in the Kashag Secretariat to personally extend their felicitations and offer khatags (ceremonial scarves) as a mark of respect and goodwill. Among the visitors were members of the leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Dharamshala: A parliamentary delegation from the United Kingdom visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 28 May 2026 and met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang.

The delegation comprised MP Kerry McCarthy of the Labour Party and former Government Minister; MP Wera Hobhouse of the Liberal Democrats and a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Tibet; and William Hobhouse, spouse of MP Wera Hobhouse. The delegation was accompanied by Tenzin Kunga, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, London.

The Members of Parliament were among the distinguished guests attending the swearing-in ceremony of the re-elected Sikyong, Penpa Tsering.

Welcoming the distinguished parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, the Speaker expressed his gratitude for their participation in the Sikyong’s oath-taking ceremony. He described their presence as both symbolic and significant, noting that it sends a strong message to the international community and boosts the morale of Tibetans living inside Tibet.

The Speaker further highlighted how the Central Tibetan Administration, under the leadership and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has not only brought the Tibetan cause to the international stage but has also safeguarded and promoted Tibetan cultural and linguistic heritage, which remains under threat in PRC-occupied Tibet.

The visiting delegation was also briefed on key parliamentary initiatives, including the World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet, advocacy efforts in India and abroad, the composition of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, its biannual sessions, the functioning of its committees, and other parliamentary activities.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Speaker noted that the delegation’s visit to Dharamshala offers hope to Tibetans inside Tibet and sends a strong signal to China of the international community’s continued support for the Tibetan cause.

The delegation was briefed on the critical situation inside Tibet, highlighting the existential challenges faced by the Tibetan people under China’s rule. Particular attention was drawn to policies aimed at the Sinicization of Tibet, including colonial-style boarding schools that deprive Tibetan children of their right to learn and practice their language, culture, and religion. The Deputy Speaker described these measures as part of “a systematic strategy to eradicate Tibetan identity.”

“In Tibet, faith is criminalised, truth is censored, and injustice wears the mask of development,” she said, while also drawing attention to the continuing self-immolations by Tibetans as a desperate form of protest against the Chinese Communist Party’s policies in Tibet.

The delegation was subsequently given a tour of the Parliament Hall. Later, a dinner was hosted in their honour, attended by members of the Standing Committee.

-Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat 

Taipei: Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia- Lung Congratulates Sikyong Penpa Tsering on the latter’s re-election as Sikyong of the 17th Kashag of Central Tibetan Administration.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Minister Lin extended his warmest congratulations on the re-election and inauguration of the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration. He noted that the renewed mandate is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in his leadership by the Tibetan people.

The letter reads, “Taiwan deeply admires the courage and determination of the Tibetan community. We laud your commitment to freedom, human dignity, and the preservation of Tibetan cultural heritage. The government of Taiwan looks forward to strengthening our friendship, deepening mutual understanding, and creating opportunities for closer cooperation.”

The Minister conveyed his best wishes for the Sikyong’s continued success, as well as for the peace, well-being, and prosperity of the Tibetan people.

Dharamshala: The three-day Tibetan Cultural Festival, organised by the Department of Information and International Relations (CTA), commenced this morning at 11 a.m. at the Police Ground in Dharamshala. The festival was formally inaugurated by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, whose swearing-in ceremony for his second term as head of the 17th Tibetan Kashag, (Cabinet), took place just yesterday, making this cultural celebration the first event of his renewed mandate.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, with Shri Sudhir Sharma, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Himachal Pradesh government, attending as one of the chief guests. The gathering also included MP Kerry McCarthy of the Labour Party and former Government Minister, MP Wera Hobhouse of the Liberal Democrats and APPG Tibet Member, from Latin America, Deputy Luis Fabian Mala from Chile and Deputy Jose Francisco of El Salvador, former Indian military officers, members of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association based in Dharamshala. Leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration also attended the event.

Despite the warm weather that has settled over Dharamshala in recent days, a bright and sunny morning provided a fitting backdrop as the ceremony commenced with the lighting of butter lamps before the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama placed on the throne, followed by auspicious prayers offered by monks from Nechung Monastery.

Delivering his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering said that Himachal Pradesh has been home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration over the last 65 years. Similarly, he expressed gratitude to the Central Government of India for its kind and unparalleled humanitarian support all these years to Tibetans and highlighted that under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetans made significant progress as the only exile community in the world that has fully functional democratic polity.

Furthermore, Sikyong urged Tibetans to strengthen support and raise greater awareness about Tibet in India, noting that earlier generations who witnessed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s arrival in India had a deeper understanding of the Tibetan issue than the younger generation today. He emphasised that the changing generations in the country make it essential to renew awareness and engagement on Tibet. He also expressed hope that, in the coming year, the festival and its exhibitions could be taken to different Indian cities to showcase the development and progress achieved by the Tibetan community over the years.

The festival grounds featured a vibrant array of stalls and installations from prominent Tibetan institutions based in Dharamshala, including Men-tsee-khang (the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute), the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, The Tibet Museum, and non-governmental organisations such as the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and the Tibetan Women’s Association, among others. Food stalls offering a variety of traditional Tibetan delicacies were also set up within the festival grounds.

The opening day drew a warm turnout from both the local Tibetan community and Indian residents from across the Dharamshala area, who gathered to witness the inaugural cultural performances featuring Tibetan songs and dances presented by school children and artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.

The afternoon programme offered further engagement for visitors of all ages, with a dedicated children’s corner organised by Manjushri Educational Services featuring a range of interactive activities for young attendees. Cultural performances continued through the afternoon, and the evening Gorshey (Traditional Tibetan Circle Dance), which is set to be a recurring highlight across all three evenings of the festival. The day’s screenings featured Compassion in Exile, a film on the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, presented in its Hindi version.

Day two and three of the festival promise an expanded line-up of cultural performances and additional film screenings. The three-day festival is expected to draw large crowds from both the Tibetan exile community and the broader Dharamshala public throughout its run.

Dharamshala: Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong of the 16th Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), was sworn in as the Sikyong of the 17th Kashag earlier this morning at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama following his reelection.

After securing 61.025 per cent of the total votes in the preliminary round of the recently concluded Tibetan general election, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, under a provision of the Election Rules and Regulations that did not require him to contest the final round, was elected as the 6th directly elected Sikyong (formerly known as Kalon Tripa). His new Kashag, the 17th since the establishment of the Central Tibetan Administration (formerly the Tibetan Government in Exile) following the occupation of Tibet by the People’s Liberation Army, will continue the Kashag system—an institutional framework sustained for more than 275 years which is one of the world’s enduring models of continuous governance.

Several respected dignitaries and distinguished international guests attended the ceremony, including a cross-party parliamentary delegation from the United Kingdom comprising MP Chris Law of the Scottish National Party and Chair of the APPG Tibet; MP Kerry McCarthy of the Labour Party and former Government Minister; MP Wera Hobhouse of the Liberal Democrats and APPG Tibet Member; and MP Alicia Kearns of the Conservative Party and former Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

From Latin America, Deputy Luis Fabian Mala of Chile and Deputy Jose Francisc of El Salvador attended the event. Representing India, the host country of the CTA, were Shri Tapir Gao, Member of Lok Sabha and Co-Convenor of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Shri Sujeet Kumar, Member of Rajya Sabha; and Shri Atya Nanda, Joint Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities.

From the Tibetan side, attendees included Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo; Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel; Sikyong Penpa Tsering; Tibetan Justice Commissioner Dawa Phunkyi; Tibetan Justice Commissioner Phagpa Tsering; Kasur (former Kalon) Changra Tharlam Dolma; Kasur Dolma Gyari; Kasur Norzin Dolma; Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi; Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi; Auditor General Tashi Topgyal; members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; and Secretaries of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Representatives of major Tibetan civil society organisations, CTA staff members, students from nearby Tibetan schools, and members of the general Tibetan public were also among the attendees.

Upon arrival of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama to the dais, the ceremony officially kicked off with a rendition of Tibetan and Indian national anthems. Emceed by the Secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, Lhaduk, the event then proceeded with an utterance of auspicious words by a group of monks from the Namgyal Monastery. 

I begin by offering my deepest reverence and obeisance of body, speech, and mind to His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet, the apostle of world peace, the manifestation of Avalokiteśvara, the supreme protector and symbol of Tibet, and the Dharma King of the three realms. I express my profound gratitude for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s immeasurable kindness in accepting our supplications and gracing us with your sacred presence at the swearing-in ceremony of the Sikyong of the 17th Kashag, Central Tibetan Administration.

I also extend my heartiest greetings to all our esteemed guests who have travelled long distances specifically to attend this ceremony, to the present and former dignitaries of the Central Tibetan Administration, to the monastic and lay community present here and especially to my fellow Tibetans inside Tibet.

In 2021, when I stood as a candidate for Sikyong, I pledged that I would not be part of any election campaign that could lead to division within our community. Staying true to that commitment, I did not campaign at all during this election. However, with the majority mandate from the public, I was re-elected as the Sikyong for the second term. For that, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in the electoral process.

I firmly believe that every accomplishment of the 16^th Kashag in the spheres of politics, administration, and social welfare is solely due to the boundless blessings and far-reaching noble deeds of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. I also would like to point out the unwavering and timely assistance of the oath-bound protective deities of Tibet, my three colleagues in the Cabinet, each of whom shouldered their respective departmental responsibilities and contributed collectively to the endeavors of the Kashag; the dedicated efforts of the civil servants, and the collective strength of organizations and the monastic and lay communities alike. And in particular, the unyielding commitment of the Tibetan people inside Tibet – their devotion and longing for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and their determination to preserve our National Identity. This remains the main source of inspiration that drives our work. Taking this opportunity, I express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.

The 17th Kashag reiterates our commitment to keep the thought and counsel of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at its very core. We shall uphold equitable justice founded on rules and regulations; harness collective effort through principled policy implementation, and move forward to achieve common goals. The Kashag will pursue political and social welfare initiatives with the primary goal of long-term sustainability of the Tibetan struggle until a just resolution of the Tibet-China Conflict is achieved.

Given the Chinese government’s current policy direction towards the nationalities, there does not seem to be much space for negotiations. Nevertheless, the 17th Kashag remains firmly committed to the “Middle Way Policy” envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which seeks a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue, and mutual benefit that would be lasting. Accordingly, until a resolution is achieved, we will continue the backchannel communications with caution and steadiness with the Chinese government while pursuing strategies to strengthen international recognition and support for the Middle Way Policy.

The United States Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 authorize sanctions against Chinese officials who interfere in the recognition of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. Similarly, the 2024 Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act (“Resolve Tibet Act”) acknowledges Tibet’s historical status and recognizes the Tibet-China dispute as unresolved that needs to be resolved under the international law. In this context, we remain committed to countering disinformation and misleading narratives propagated by the Chinese government regarding His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the historical status of Tibet as sovereign state, while providing factual information to strengthen global support for the Tibetan cause.

The most pressing challenge in Tibet today is the Chinese government’s systematic and overarching state-backed implementation of policies aimed at erasing Tibetan National Identity. At the same time, China has deliberately spread misinformation and propaganda to create division within exile communities—including the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan organizations, and support groups—thereby weakening the unity of the Tibetan struggle movement. It is therefore essential for all to remain vigilant against such interference. Particularly, those engaged in the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group and Support Groups for Tibet must strengthen their awareness, coordinate their efforts, and collectively raise issues of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity at both international and national levels.

A well-organized administration is must for advancing the cause of Tibet and ensuring services to the community. During the 16th Kashag, E-Governance initiatives have been launched. The 17th Kashag shall further strengthen this initiative by enhancing capacity based on personnel, technology, infrastructure, and institutional systems, while expanding E-Governance through improved data management and database systems. Leveraging information technology and artificial intelligence will enhance advocacy efforts, increase administrative efficiency, improve public service delivery, and strengthen communication with the community—an approach particularly suited to Tibetans living in exile across the globe.

By strengthening the administration’s management systems for collecting, analyzing, and sharing information, and by using all available channels to highlight the Tibetan cause and the aspirations of its people, a communication strategy will be developed to ensure timely and clear outreach to all stakeholders.

Tibetans in exile must not only adhere to the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and its governing regulations. But also, compliance with international norms and the laws of host countries is a fundamental promise of our Charter and essential to sustaining our existence in exile. The 16th Kashag has consistently worked to ensure this commitment is effectively implemented across the Tibetan Administration and its autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies. And we will continue to do so. Moreover, living in harmony and in accordance with the law of our host countries is not only vital for a peaceful and stable life, but also a key means of upholding the dignity and values that Tibetan people embody.

Caring for the elderly, the destitute, the sick, and those facing physical and mental hardships is a core principle repeatedly advocated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and an unavoidable responsibility of the Administration. Guided by transparency, equity, efficiency, and sustainability, the Kashag will implement social welfare initiatives, including the completion and management of public infrastructure, youth skill development, school consolidation for greater efficiency, and improved healthcare and preventive services, with special attention to vulnerable groups. At the same time, advancing self-sufficiency within the Central Tibetan Administration and the exile Tibetan community remains critical to sustaining the Tibetan cause. We express our sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to this effort and encourage continued collective action from both organizations and individuals.

The 17th Kashag solemnly pledges to ensure that all official responsibilities are carried out smoothly and that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not unduly disturbed by the trivial matters of the community and that we continue to win the trust of Tibetans inside Tibet. Since last year, alongside the Ghoton celebrations, many organizations and individuals have offered Long Life Prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The most meaningful offering we can make is to put his teachings into practice. We therefore urge all Tibetans to remember our shared identity as political exiles, set aside differences, foster unity, and fulfil our individual responsibilities toward the common cause of Tibet.

Despite the Chinese government’s systematic efforts to undermine Tibetan national identity, China cannot weaken the Tibetan people’s enduring bond with their homeland. Since the dawn of civilization, Tibetans have remained the rightful custodians of the Land of Snow, sustained by a deep spiritual and cultural connection. We therefore urge Tibetans within Tibet to begin at the household level by nurturing in their children a strong sense of identity rooted in the Tibetan language, religion, and culture.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the governments and people of India, the United States, and all our supporters. Your support remains key to the effective continuation of our struggle for truth and justice.

In conclusion, I pray for the long life of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and may his noble thoughts embodied in the four principal commitments continue to spread across the globe. May the auspicious day of reunion for Tibetans, both inside and outside Tibet, emerge soon.

Penpa Tsering

Sikyong

27 May 2026

Dharamshala: Deputies Luis Mala Valenzuela of Chile and Jose Francisco Lira Alvarado of El Salvador visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 25 May 2026 and met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang.

Welcoming the deputies from Latin America, the Speaker expressed appreciation for the participation of Latin American parliamentarians in the upcoming oath-taking ceremony of the Sikyong, describing it as both significant and symbolic given the exile status of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). He also acknowledged the continued support extended by countries such as India, the United States, several European nations, Latin American countries, and others throughout more than 66 years of Tibetan exile.

The Speaker noted that, alongside sustaining the Tibetan political struggle, the CTA, under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has succeeded in preserving and protecting Tibet’s distinct cultural heritage while also bringing the Tibetan cause onto the global stage. He further spoke about the critical situation inside Tibet and warned that the newly adopted Ethnic Unity Law could severely impact Tibetan cultural and linguistic heritage by eroding Tibetan identity.

Deputy Speaker Teykhang stated that the visit by the Latin American deputies sends a strong message to the international community that the CTA remains the legitimate representative of Tibetans worldwide. She added that their solidarity visit to Dharamshala demonstrates the importance of upholding international rules and principles regardless of a country’s size or power.

She further remarked that the struggles endured by many Latin American countries against cultural repression, oppression, and injustice deeply resonate with the Tibetan struggle. She emphasized that the issue of Tibet is not merely about occupation, but also about attacks on the fundamental pillars of Tibetan identity which are religion, culture, and language.

The deputies were also given a tour of the parliamentary hall and briefed on the composition and functioning of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat 

Dharamshala: Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of former U.S. Congressman Barney Frank, a steadfast ally and true champion of the Tibetan people. He passed away at the age of 86 in Maine, United States.

In a letter to Jim Ready, spouse of the late Congressman Barney Frank, the Speaker wrote, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of your beloved partner, former Congressman Barney Frank. On behalf of the Tibetan people and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.”

“Congressman Barney Frank was a long-time friend and admirer of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a steadfast supporter of the Tibetan people for many decades. Through his sponsorship and unwavering support of the Tibetan Resettlement Project under the United States Immigration Act of 1990, nearly 1,000 Tibetans were able to resettle in the United States despite the many challenges and obstacles he faced in advancing the initiative at the time. His compassion and humanitarian vision gave hope and a new beginning to countless displaced Tibetans and made it possible for Tibetans to preserve and practice their culture and traditions freely to this day.”

“The legacy of Congressman Barney Frank will continue to live on in the hearts of the Tibetan people. His contribution toward the welfare and rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees will always be remembered with profound gratitude and respect. We pray for the departed soul and may his soul rest in peace.”

– Filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat 

Dharamshala: At the invitation of the U.S. Ambassador to India, His Excellency Sergio Gor, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), accompanied by Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (CTA) and Representative Jigme Jugney of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi, attended the Freedom 250: Independence Day Reception in Delhi on 24 May 2026 alongside delegates from various countries.

The reception featured remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Honourable Marco Rubio, Indian External Affairs Minister Honourable Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and U.S. Ambassador to India His Excellency Sergio Gor, as well as a musical performance by renowned Indian artist A.R. Rahman.

Secretary of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tashi Dekyi, also attended the event alongside the Tibetan delegation.

]]> https://tibet.net/sikyong-penpa-tsering-extends-condolences-on-the-passing-of-congressman-barney-frank/ Mon, 25 May 2026 05:30:54 +0000 https://tibet.net/?p=267093

Dharamshala: In a condolence letter dated 22 May 2026, Sikyong Penpa Tsering conveyed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of former U.S. Congressman Barney Frank, a steadfast ally and true champion of the Tibetan people. He passed away at the age of 86 in Maine, United States.

In a condolence letter addressed to Jim Ready, spouse of the late Congressman Barney Frank, Sikyong expressed, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your spouse, Congressman Barney Frank. On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones.”

Remembering Congressman Frank’s enduring support for the Tibetan cause, Sikyong noted that he played a pivotal role in the resettlement of Tibetan refugees in the United States. He will be especially remembered for sponsoring the provision in the Immigration Act of 1990 that enabled 1,000 Tibetan refugees to build new lives and find a home in the United States.

Sikyong further stated that through Congressman Frank’s visionary generosity, many Tibetan families were able to provide quality education for their children, sending them to leading universities and empowering them to become self-reliant.

“His unwavering support, commitment to human rights, and enduring friendship toward the Tibetan people will always be remembered with deep gratitude and respect. May he attain a swift rebirth,” Sikyong concluded in his message.