Canberra: Today marked the inauguration of the V-TAG Australia Strategy Meeting and Advocacy Training, a collaborative effort between the Tibet Information Office, Canberra, and the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The event, hosted at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra, brought together key figures, experts, and advocates from in and around Australia to discuss and strategise on Tibet advocacy undertakings in Australia.
The proceedings kicked off with an inaugural ceremony graced by Chief Guest Kalon Norzin Dolma, Minister of the Department of Information and International Relations, CTA and Guest of Honor Senator Janet Rice. Representative Karma Singey of the Tibet Information Office, Canberra, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and urged the members of V-TAG Australia for active participation in the two-day meeting cum training. Senator Janet Rice, co-chair of the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, then addressed the gathering.
In her keynote address, Chief Guest Norzin Dolma emphasised the significance of participation of Tibetan youth in continuing and advancing the Tibetan freedom movement.
Lhawang Gyalpo, Secretary of the Tibet Information Office, Canberra, proposed a Vote of thanks to the guests and the participants.
The event’s first talk session began with Hon. Kevin Andrews, former Defence Minister of Australia, discussing Tibet, Australia, and China relations. The session was moderated by Tsewang Thupten, Former Vice President of ACT Tibetan Community.
Gabriel Lafitte, an author and Tibet Environment Specialist, took the stage to delve into “Climate Change and Tibet with particular focus on large scale lithium mining taking place in Tibet”. The session was moderated by Lhadar Ringapontsang, Former President of ACT Tibetan Community.
Tenzin Phuntsok Doring, a member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, shared insights on the role of Tibetan Youth and the Future of Tibet. Gonpo Tashi, V-TAG member from Melbourne and a Five-fifty Youth Ambassador, moderated the session.
The subsequent training session featured Dr. Zoe Bedford, Executive Officer of Australia Tibet Council, who spoke on Advocacy and Human Rights. Kyizom Dhongdue, former member of Tibetan Parliament and Strategic Campaigns Lead at Amnesty International, Australia, discussed key components of Campaigning, Movement Building and strategising political advocacy.
Participants subsequently proceeded to the Australian Parliament House for a short tour.
The V-TAG Australia Strategy Meeting and Advocacy Training promises to be a platform for robust discussions, strategic planning, and skill-building for the advancement of Tibetan cause spearheaded mainly by the Tibetan youth. The event continues tomorrow with further sessions and engagements.
–Filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR
Guest of Honour Senator Janet Rice addressing the gathering.
Representative Karma Singey giving the welcome address.
MP Tenzin Phuntsok Doring with Gonpo Tashi, V-TAG member from Melbourne and the moderator during the session.
Kyizom Dhongdue, former Tibetan MP and Strategic Campaigns Lead at Amnesty International, Australia.
Kalon Norzin Dolma presenting a memento to Senator Janet Rice.
Group photo of the guests and speakers at the session.
Group photo with participants at the training session.