The leader of the Tibetan community in exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, embarked on an official tour to Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States from September 29 to October 24. Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong of Tibet, lives in exile due to the political control exercised by the Chinese government over the Tibetan community in Asia. During his journey through various Latin American countries, his primary goal was to raise awareness about the situation in Tibet and China’s influence in the region, emphasizing the geographical and environmental significance of this area.
The Sikyong also emphasized the need to preserve Tibetan culture and religion, which have faced challenges since the Chinese invasion in 1950. Despite a 17-point agreement, China has not upheld its commitments, and Tibetans continue to struggle for their independence and the protection of their cultural and religious rights. The call is to preserve Tibetan culture and for global action on environmental issues to prevent irreversible damage to climate action.
Penpa Tsering delivered a lecture at the National University of Colombia on the topic “Exiles and Displacements: Interdisciplinary Reflections.” Later, he visited the Yamantaka Center and had a brief meeting with its members. Additionally, he took part in an interreligious dialogue with religious leaders from various traditions, along with representatives from the Ministry of the Interior of the Colombian government and the Office of Religious Freedom of the District of Bogotá. During this visit, he was accompanied by Representative Jigme Tsering from the Tibet Office in Brazil.
Penpa Tsering assumed the presidency as Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration in May 2021 in an official ceremony honored by the Dalai Lama.
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Central Tibetan Administration (2023, september 29). Sikyong Penpa Tsering departs for visit to Latin American countries and United States.
Find out more:
W Radio (2023, october 5). Buscamos que el mundo sepa lo que China le ha hecho al Tíbet: Penpa Tsering.
Central Tibetan Administration (2023, october 8). Sikyong Penpa Tsering speaks on «Exiles and Displacements: Interdisciplinary Reflections” at National University of Colombia.