In an unprecedented move, the Five-Fifty Forum: Towards a Resilient Tibetan Community brought together the most prominent figures of the Tibetan world under one roof for an intensive four-day conference.
Dr Tseten Sadutshang, Dr Tsewang Tamdin, Ven. Geshe Ngawang Samten, Geshe Lhakdor, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden, and Tashi Tsering were among the impressive list of panellists gathered to deliberate and investigate innovative ideas and solutions towards building a long-term resilient Tibetan Community.
The four major themes discussed at the Forum were: Sustaining Tibetan Culture; Economic Development of Tibetan Community; Strengthening Tibetan Education; and a Healthier Tibetan Community.
Organised by Social and Resource Development (SARD) of the Department of Finance, the Forum was the third and the largest segment of the Kashag’s Five-Fifty Vision with over 250 experts and participants from around the world in attendance. The other two Forums being Tibet’s Political Future and Youth Forum, respectively.
For anyone searching for further clarification on the 15th Kashag’s Five-Fifty Vision, following the Forum on Resilience, they need not look any further.
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sanagay delivering his concluding remarks on 5/50 vision Towards a Resilient Tibetan Community on 16 September 2018. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR.
In his Keynote Address, the President Dr Lobsang Sangay revealed that back in 2012 he had an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama where His Holiness specifically told him, “One of your main duties as a leader is to lead the Tibetan movement forward as if I’m not there.”
Upon hearing those words, silence filled the room with many of the participants struggling to hold back their tears. An emotional President Sangay further explained, “For our Tsawai Lama, our Root Guru, the democratic Tibetan movement is far more important than himself.”
Some of the participants noted that while it seemed like an initiative long called for, it is still better late than never.
Renowned allopathic physician Dr Sadutshang expressed that he felt “proud” to be part of the Forum, while the leading figure in Tibetan medicine Dr Tamdin said, “It is my hope that Sikyong will organize this type of conference again every 2 to 3 years.” ( click here to watch the audience feedback video)
The Resilience Forum will undoubtedly go down as one of the most notable achievements of the present Kashag.
– Report filed by Kunchok Dolma, Human Right Desk, DIIR