Dharamshala — Penpa Tsering, the elected Sikyong (President) was sworn in as Sikyong of the 17th Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), before Yeshi Wangmo, the Chief Justice of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Spiritual leader of Tibet, on Wednesday, in Dharamshala.
The Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission organised a swearing-in ceremony for the elected Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration at the main Tibetan temple (Tsuklakhang), Dharamshala, on May 26, 2026. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, top leadership of CTA, and guests from countries attended the ceremony, including a cross-party parliamentary delegation from the United Kingdom comprising MP Chris Law of the Scottish National Party and Chair of the APPG Tibet; MP Kerry McCarthy of the Labour Party and former Government Minister; MP Wera Hobhouse of the Liberal Democrats and APPG Tibet Member; and MP Alicia Kearns of the Conservative Party and former Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
From Latin America, Deputy Luis Fabian Mala of Chile and Deputy Jose Francisc of El Salvador attended the event. Representing India, the host country of the CTA, were Shri Tapir Gao, Member of Lok Sabha and Co-Convenor of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Shri Sujeet Kumar, Member of Rajya Sabha; and Shri Atya Nanda, Joint Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities.
The oath-taking ceremony began with Yeshi Wangmo, Chief Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, she administered the oath of office to Sikyong Penpa Tsering. Sikyong Penpa Tsering then took the oath from the Chief Justice in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, international guests, and the hundreds of people gathered there as the 17th Sikyong of the Kashag.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering then delivered his inaugural address as the head of the new Kashag in both Tibetan and English, addressing the diverse audience gathered for the occasion. He said, "In 2021, when I stood as a candidate for Sikyong, I pledged that I would not be part of any election campaign that could lead to division within our community. Staying true to that commitment, I did not campaign at all during this election. However, with the majority mandate from the public, I was re-elected as the Sikyong for the second term. For that, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in the electoral process.
"I firmly believe that every accomplishment of the 16th Kashag in the spheres of politics, administration, and social welfare is solely due to the boundless blessings and far-reaching noble deeds of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. I also would like to point out the unwavering and timely assistance of the oath-bound protective deities of Tibet, my three colleagues in the Cabinet, each of whom shouldered their respective departmental responsibilities and contributed collectively to the endeavors of the Kashag; the dedicated efforts of the civil servants, and the collective strength of organizations and the monastic and lay communities alike. And in particular, the unyielding commitment of the Tibetan people inside Tibet – their devotion and longing for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and their determination to preserve our National Identity. This remains the main source of inspiration that drives our work. Taking this opportunity, I express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
"The 17th Kashag reiterates our commitment to keep the thought and counsel of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at its very core. We shall uphold equitable justice founded on rules and regulations; harness collective effort through principled policy implementation, and move forward to achieve common goals. The Kashag will pursue political and social welfare initiatives with the primary goal of long-term sustainability of the Tibetan struggle until a just resolution of the Tibet-China Conflict is achieved.
"Given the Chinese government’s current policy direction towards the nationalities, there does not seem to be much space for negotiations. Nevertheless, the 17th Kashag remains firmly committed to the “Middle Way Policy” envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which seeks a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue, and mutual benefit that would be lasting. Accordingly, until a resolution is achieved, we will continue the backchannel communications with caution and steadiness with the Chinese government while pursuing strategies to strengthen international recognition and support for the Middle Way Policy.
"The United States Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 authorize sanctions against Chinese officials who interfere in the recognition of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. Similarly, the 2024 Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act (“Resolve Tibet Act”) acknowledges Tibet’s historical status and recognizes the Tibet-China dispute as unresolved that needs to be resolved under the international law. In this context, we remain committed to countering disinformation and misleading narratives propagated by the Chinese government regarding His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the historical status of Tibet as sovereign state, while providing factual information to strengthen global support for the Tibetan cause.
"The most pressing challenge in Tibet today is the Chinese government’s systematic and overarching state-backed implementation of policies aimed at erasing Tibetan National Identity. At the same time, China has deliberately spread misinformation and propaganda to create division within exile communities—including the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan organizations, and support groups—thereby weakening the unity of the Tibetan struggle movement. It is therefore essential for all to remain vigilant against such interference. Particularly, those engaged in the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group and Support Groups for Tibet must strengthen their awareness, coordinate their efforts, and collectively raise issues of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity at both international and national levels.
"A well-organised administration is must for advancing the cause of Tibet and ensuring services to the community. During the 16th Kashag, E-Governance initiatives have been launched. The 17th Kashag shall further strengthen this initiative by enhancing capacity based on personnel, technology, infrastructure, and institutional systems, while expanding E-Governance through improved data management and database systems. Leveraging information technology and artificial intelligence will enhance advocacy efforts, increase administrative efficiency, improve public service delivery, and strengthen communication with the community—an approach particularly suited to Tibetans living in exile across the globe.
"By strengthening the administration’s management systems for collecting, analyzing, and sharing information, and by using all available channels to highlight the Tibetan cause and the aspirations of its people, a communication strategy will be developed to ensure timely and clear outreach to all stakeholders.
"Despite the Chinese government’s systematic efforts to undermine Tibetan national identity, China cannot weaken the Tibetan people’s enduring bond with their homeland. Since the dawn of civilization, Tibetans have remained the rightful custodians of the Land of Snow, sustained by a deep spiritual and cultural connection. We therefore urge Tibetans within Tibet to begin at the household level by nurturing in their children a strong sense of identity rooted in the Tibetan language, religion, and culture.
"I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the governments and people of India, the United States, and all our supporters. Your support remains key to the effective continuation of our struggle for truth and justice," Sikyong concluded his address.
The ceremony also featured a series of vibrant cultural performances by young Tibetan students from schools in and around Dharamshala. International guests delivered speeches to congratulate Sikyong Penpa Tsering on his successful re-election for a second term.
