Dharamshala: Over 100 Chinese and Tibetan delegates, including writers, journalists, advocates will gather in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 – 8 August, to discuss how to create a better understanding between the two communities and to explore ways for a peaceful solution of the Tibetan issue, the organisers said.
Convened by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association, the conference will be attended by Chinese and Tibetan representatives from all over the world.
“The objective of the conference is to create a better understanding between the two communities and to explore ways for a peaceful solution of the Tibetan issue,” said Mr. Jonathan Sisson of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation said in a press release issued on 27 July.
“This is in the interest of both the Chinese and the Tibetan peoples,” said Dr. Tashe Thaktsang of the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association. “In addition, it will serve the long-term development of China and contribute to peace and stability in Asia,” he added.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give the keynote address on the opening session. Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche will also attend the three-day conference.
Mr. Yan Jiaqi, a leading Chinese liberal scholar who had served in the Political Reform Commission under the leadership of then Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang in the 1980s, will be a guest speaker. Mr. Yan Jiaqi also served as Director of the Institute of Political Research of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and has written several books, including “A Ten Year History of the Cultural Revolution”.
“As primary stakeholders, representatives of Chinese and Tibetan civil society have an important role to play in the efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Tibet question,” the organisers said. They added: “In the recent past, concerned Chinese and Tibetan individuals have taken steps to encourage a better mutual understanding. This has had a positive impact and a need was felt to have a larger gathering to be held in Switzerland given its history of hosting numerous reconciliation events.”
International Fellowship of Reconciliation was founded in 1919 in response to the horrors of war in Europe, IFOR has taken a consistent stance against war and its preparation throughout its history. Perceiving the need for healing and reconciliation in the world, the founders of IFOR formulated a vision of the human community based upon the belief that love in action has the power to transform unjust political, social, and economic structures.
Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association was founded 25 years ago to supports the Tibetan issue – cultural and social but more and more in political aspects. Supporter of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s non-violent policy and advocating Tibetan people’s right for religion, culture, language and identity according to international Human Rights standards.