SIKYONG PENPA TSERING 2023 AUSTRALIA VISIT
In his maiden tour of Australia, Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended several meetings with Parliamentarians and important stakeholders in Canberra to discuss opportunities for Australian Government and Parliament to support Tibet.
Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon MP's event
The Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon met with Sikyong Penpa Tsering in a private event hosted in her office and courtyard with several Parliamentarians in attendance.
Historic Senate MPI on Tibet
Co-Chair of Australian All-Party Parliamentary friendship Group for Tibet, Senator Janet Rice raised a Matter of Public Importance (MPI) debate in the Senate, to which Senators from across parties stood to speak in support whilst acknowledging the presence of Sikyong Penpa Tsering in the Senate.
Parliamentary Dinner
The Sikyong was invited by the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Friends of Tibet Co-Chairs to a dinner at Parliament House.
MPs rise for Tibet and acknowledge Sikyong Penpa Tsering
Represenatives and members of the AAPGT rose to speak about Tibet and the urgent need for support. They also acknowledged the presence of Sikyong Penpa Tsering in the chamber of the House.
The Sikyong Hon Penpa Tsering of the Tibetan Government In-Exile visited Australia in June 2023. He is the President of Tibet’s Government In-Exile, based in Dharamsala, India. He was elected the Sikyong or President in 2021 in an election participated by exiled Tibetans spread across nearly 30 countries, including the Tibetan communities of Australia.
The Sikyong was also invited to several public events whilst touring Australia
Resistance, Resilience and Democracy In-Exile
NSW State Parliament, Sydney
Monday, 19 June: The Sikyong shared the Tibetan refugee community’s experience of resilience. This conversation highlighted how Tibet is contributing to democracy in-exile, while Tibetan people maintaining a culture of peaceful resistance to occupation.
Photo credit: Michelle Haywood
Sikyong Interview with ATC
The Sikyong answered questions from Australia Tibet Council members in an exclusive interview. Hosted by Canberra Tibetan community member Yangkyi Tenzin.
Resolving Sino-Tibet conflict and securing peace in the region
The National Press Club of Australia, Canberra
Wednesday, 21 June: Hon. Penpa Tsering, President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, made his Address to the National Press Club on “Resolving Sino-Tibet conflict and securing peace in the region”.
India and Tibet: Ancient Ties and Current Bonds
Australia India Institute, Melbourne
Thursday, 22 June: “India and Tibet: Ancient Ties and Current Bonds” with Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of Tibetan Govt-in-Exile, in conversation with Former Senator Lisa Singh, CEO of Australia India Institute.
Homeland - Festival of Tibet 2023
Powerhouse, Brisbane
Friday, 23 June: The Powerhouse hosted HOMELAND, an exclusive evening with Sikyong Penpa Tsering.
The event had wide-ranging conversation with Sarah Kanowski and was shared as an episode on ABC Radio’s Big Ideas.
News Articles from the Sikyong’s visit
China lobbies press club against Tibetan appearance
‘China is our best publicity agent’: Tibet urges tougher line on Beijing
Tibet calls on Australia to ramp up pressure on China, claims region turning into a prison
Tibetan leader urges Albanese to sanction China
‘Stolen generation’: Tibet’s fight to preserve culture
President of Tibet’s government-in-exile: region is seeking autonomy not independence – video
Tibet Leader Calls On China to Avoid Crisis of Two Dalai Lamas