Brussels: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) under the leadership of Sikyong Penpa Tsering has made advocating for Tibet by Tibetans at the forefront of one of his main priorities since assuming office. To this end, the 16th Kashag has spearheaded an initiative called the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) that aims to strengthen and provide opportunities for every Tibetan to contribute to the collective cause of Tibet.

Following the launch of this flagship initiative in Zurich, Switzerland, on 06 November 2021, Ms Dukthen Kyi, head of DIIR’s Human Rights and Advocacy desk and the head of Tibet Advocacy Section (TAS) arrived in Antwerp, Belgium, on 07 November 2021 to introduce the concept. Ms Rigzin Genkhang, EU Advocacy Officer of the Office of Tibet, Brussels, received her arrival and they headed to the meeting venue where they met with a group of determined Tibetan youths.

In her introductory remark, Ms Genkhang thanked the Belgian Tibetan Community Board Members for organising the meeting and the participation of youths. Highlighting the objective of V-TAG, she said it was to provide an unparalleled platform for any Tibetan willing to advocate for Tibet and urged them to take active participation and to register.

Ms Dukthen Kyi then made a detailed presentation of V-TAG, which led to a lively interaction with the youths. She emphasized the need for youths to take more responsibility in advocating for Tibet.

On 08 November, Ms Dukthen Kyi and Ms Genkhang travelled to Amsterdam to have a similar meeting with the Netherlands based Tibetan youths. Interactions on V-TAG and the Tibetan issue, in general, continued after the presentation and ended with a vote of thanks from Ms Genkhang and a group photo with the participant’s fingers up in the V for V-TAG sign. The meeting in Amsterdam was also organized by the local Tibetan Community.

On 09 November, Ms Dukthen Kyi will depart Amsterdam for Paris.