By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, May 8: The President of the Tibetan government in Exile, Penpa Tsering called for unified action from various oppressed people representing different causes against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in pursuit of meaningful change within China, at the 20th anniversary of the World Uyghur Congress on May 3 in Munich.
As the guest speaker for the opening ceremony, the Sikyong reminisced about the historic collaboration between Erkin Alptekin, founding President of the World Uyghur Congress, and the late Lodi Gyari, former Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He emphasized their efforts to establish an allied committee, showcasing the longstanding bond between the Tibetan and Uyghur communities.
“I consider the Uyghurs, Mongolians, now even the Manchus, Tibetans, Hongkongers, Pro-Democracy leaders in China, and, if you want to include, Taiwan also. We are all travelling in the same boat against the brutal storm of Communist China,” the Sikyong asserted, highlighting the imperative of unity in the face of Chinese oppression.
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration with Rebiya Kadeer and Dolkun Isa, former and current Presidents of the World Uyghur Congress, Sikyong stressed the importance of collective action. “If we have to bring positive changes to China, then we need both internal and external forces. And we are the internal forces,” he stated.
In a bold move, the Sikyong proposed organizing a large rally in Europe, uniting Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hongkongers, Mongolians, Taiwanese, and pro-democratic Chinese leaders. “If you are willing to do that, we are willing to join you or take the leadership,” he declared, a call to action for solidarity against Chinese oppression.
The former president of the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dr Lobsang Sangay was also present at the event, in his keynote speech on May 4 as a guest speaker, he said that despite the Chinese government’s attempts to erase Uyghur and Tibetan culture, the younger generation born in Germany remains steadfast in preserving their identity and heritage, pledging to stand proudly in their Uyghur identity inherited from their elders, sending a resounding message to Beijing that their cultural resilience will endure despite attempts at suppression.
In addition to his participation in the World Uyghur Congress anniversary, Sikyong Penpa Tsering embarked on a week-long journey across Europe, engaging with Tibetan communities and forging alliances. His itinerary included visits to Zurich, Switzerland; Milan, Trento, and Bolzano in Italy; Innsbruck, Austria; and Berlin, Germany.
In Innsbruck, Sikyong’s meetings with university leaders bore fruit as Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Bernhard Fügenschuh extended a fully funded scholarship opportunity for Tibetan students.
Currently in Berlin for closed-door meetings with high-level government officials, Sikyong Penpa Tsering continues his advocacy for Tibetan rights and international solidarity against Chinese oppression.
