Tibetan youth gather in Stockholm to advocate for Tibet’s rights and freedom

More than 30 young Tibetans from six European regions—Sweden, the UK, Norway, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, primarily members of the Tibetan Youth Association (V-TAG), gathered in Stockholm for a three-day strategic meeting to discuss ways forward. Was focused on. Tibetan movement.

The event, organized by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), aimed to empower youth to take leadership roles in advocating for the rights and sovereignty of Tibet, the CTA announced in a statement.

The meeting began with a welcoming speech by Lobsang, President of the Tibetan Community in Sweden, who highlighted the importance of the gathering in strengthening the collective voice of Tibetan youth in Europe.

Tenzin Lekshay, official spokesperson of the DIIR and Additional Secretary for International Relations, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the need for the younger generation to continue the work of the Tibetan movement. he/she called on participants to become future leaders of the struggle and stressed that their advocacy is vital to raising awareness of Tibet’s plight and asserting its rights on the global stage.

The first day of the event featured a speech by Mattias Björnstedt, Chairman of the Swedish Tibet Committee, who discussed emerging challenges and opportunities for Tibetan advocacy in Europe. According to the statement from the Central Tibetan Administration, he/she stressed the importance of creating a united front among European Tibetans to insist on strong international support for Tibet’s autonomy and human rights.

Country coordinators of V-TAG groups in the UK, Belgium, France and the Netherlands also presented reports on their past advocacy activities, demonstrating the concrete progress made in their respective areas. They outlined future strategies aimed at engaging European political leaders, organizing campaigns to raise awareness of Tibet’s political situation, and promoting solidarity with Tibetans who suffer oppression inside Tibet.

The afternoon sessions focused on enhancing advocacy skills. Wangpo Tethong, Executive Director of International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Europe, led a dynamic training workshop on effective advocacy techniques.

Tethong stressed the importance of targeted campaigns, strong narratives and strategic partnerships in advancing the Tibetan cause. Participants took part in discussions aimed at sharpening their messages and advocacy approaches, ensuring that their voices resonate loudly in international forums and among policy makers.

The day concluded with a cultural festival, where participants performed traditional Tibetan dances, celebrating the resiliency and cultural heritage that is the backbone of the Tibetan movement. The event reminded of the importance of preserving Tibetan identity in the face of ongoing Chinese repression, strengthening the broader struggle for independence, human rights and cultural survival.

This gathering in Stockholm reflects the growing role of Tibetan youth in the international movement for Tibetan rights. By providing the tools and training needed to strengthen their advocacy efforts, the event ensured that these young leaders are prepared to continue challenging China’s oppression of Tibet. It also reaffirmed Tibet’s commitment to its struggle for autonomy, human rights, and the preservation of its unique cultural identity.