Penpa Tsering sworn in as Sikyong of the 17th Kashag

Inaugural address at the swearing-in ceremony of the Sikyong of the 17th Kashag, Central Tibetan Administration. Photo: Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA.

On 27 May 2026, Penpa Tsering was sworn in for his second term as Sikyong, the democratically elected political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), in Dharamsala. The ceremony took place before Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo and in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Penpa Tsering was re-elected with a majority of the vote in the first round, making a second round of voting unnecessary.

Continuity and the Middle Way Approach

In his inaugural address, Penpa Tsering once again placed the thought and counsel of the Dalai Lama at the heart of the 17th Kashag’s policy. The cabinet says it will focus its political and social efforts on the long-term sustainability of the Tibetan cause, until a just resolution of the Tibet-China conflict is achieved.

The Sikyong reaffirmed that the cabinet remains committed to the Middle Way Approach as envisioned by the Dalai Lama: a resolution of the conflict through non-violence, dialogue and mutual benefit. At the same time, he acknowledged the limited room for negotiation. “Given the Chinese government’s current policy direction towards the nationalities, there does not seem to be much space for negotiations,” said Penpa Tsering. For now, the cabinet says it will continue cautious backchannel communications with the Chinese government, while working to strengthen international support for the Middle Way Approach.

Re-elected Sikyong Penpa Tsering takes the Sikyong oath before Chief Justice Commissioner, Mrs. Yeshi Wangmo - site: dalailama.com

Erasing Tibetan identity

According to Penpa Tsering, the most pressing challenge in Tibet today is the Chinese government’s systematic, state-backed policy aimed at erasing Tibetan national identity. He also pointed to the spread of disinformation and propaganda intended to sow division within the Tibetan community in exile — including the CTA, Tibetan organisations and support groups — and thereby weaken the unity of the Tibetan movement.

He called on everyone to remain vigilant against such interference and stressed the importance of raising the issues of genocide and crimes against humanity at both the national and international level.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering returns a silver box bearing the seal of the Central Tibetan Administration to the Dalai Lama before taking the oath. site: dalailama.com

International recognition and reincarnation

In his address, Penpa Tsering referred to the U.S. Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, which authorises sanctions against Chinese officials who interfere in the recognition of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. He also cited the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act of 2024 (the “Resolve Tibet Act”), which acknowledges Tibet’s historical status and characterises the Tibet-China dispute as unresolved. The cabinet says it will continue to counter Chinese government disinformation about the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the historical status of Tibet.

Governance, welfare and unity

Penpa Tsering announced that he will further strengthen the CTA’s e-governance and deploy information technology and artificial intelligence to improve advocacy, public service delivery and communication with the globally dispersed Tibetan community. He emphasised the importance of compliance with the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and with the laws of host countries, and announced social programmes for the elderly, the sick and vulnerable groups, with attention to youth development and healthcare.

Finally, the Sikyong called on Tibetans to set aside their differences and foster unity. He urged Tibetans inside Tibet to nurture a strong sense of identity within the household, rooted in the Tibetan language, religion and culture. “Since the dawn of civilisation, Tibetans have remained the rightful custodians of the Land of Snow,” said Penpa Tsering, who closed with a prayer for the long life of the Dalai Lama.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering signs the official register on assuming the position of Sikyong - site: dalailama.com

Mrs. Yeshi Wangmo, Chief Justice Commissioner, offers Sikyong Penpa Tsering a Khatag - site: dalailama.com

Sikyong Penpa Tsering during his address on the occasion of the swearing-in - site: dalailama.com