On October 3, 2025, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute was honoured to host Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, for a private roundtable discussion moderated by Foreign Policy Director Christopher Coates.
The conversation explored the evolving situation in Tibet under Beijing’s rule, highlighting the Tibetan people’s steadfast commitment to preserving their identity and culture despite decades of repression. The Sikyong also shared his insights on the question of the Dalai Lama’s succession, emphasizing the need for international vigilance against Chinese interference in this deeply spiritual and political process.
The discussion further examined the broader implications for regional stability, including the future of Taiwan and the growing challenges to democratic self-determination across the Indo-Pacific.
In attendance were members of Ottawa’s Tibetan community, as well as leading experts on China and Indo-Pacific affairs, who engaged in a thoughtful exchange on how Canada and its partners can support freedom, resilience, and human dignity in the region.
