May 21, 2025: During his official visit to Toronto on May 18, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), addressed members of the Tibetan community in Ontario, delivering a strong call for unity and renewed global engagement in the Tibetan freedom struggle.
The event began with a warm welcome from Sonam Lankar, President of the Tibetan Association of Ontario, followed by remarks from Representative Namgyal Choedup. Both praised Sikyong’s leadership and tireless efforts in championing the Tibetan cause on the global stage.
Sikyong highlighted the upcoming 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, urging Tibetans worldwide to actively participate in commemorating this milestone and to uphold his legacy through continued advocacy and cultural preservation.
He emphasized the growing international focus on the Tibet-China conflict, citing a surge in media coverage and diplomatic engagement. Sikyong noted that the CTA is intensifying its outreach efforts, including through international diplomacy and media campaigns, to draw broader support for the Tibetan struggle.
A significant part of his speech focused on the recent passage of the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act (Tibet Resolve Act) in the United States, which reaffirms Tibet’s historical independence and bolsters U.S. policy in support of Tibetan self-determination. He also referenced a letter from the U.S. Secretary of State commemorating the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day, which reaffirmed the United States’ enduring support for the Tibetan cause.
Updating the audience on the work of the 16th Kashag, Sikyong outlined key initiatives to strengthen the sustainability of Tibetan settlements and the CTA’s administrative framework in exile.
However, he also voiced concern over a shifting demographic trend: the increasing migration of Tibetans to Western countries, resulting in a declining population in Indian settlements. He warned that this could significantly impact Tibetan schools and cultural continuity. Sikyong called for urgent, strategic planning to protect and pass on Tibetan language and heritage to future generations.
His speech served as both a rallying cry for unity among the global Tibetan diaspora and a reminder of the heightened international momentum around Tibet’s political and human rights issues.