His Holiness the Dalai Lama at August 2005 European Tibetan Buddhusm Conference.
The conference was co-hosted by ICT Europe and the Committee for The Dalai Lama in Switzerland 2005 and brought followers of the Tibetan Buddhist faith together to discuss how best to preserve the essence of Tibetan Buddhism in a changing world, how Buddhism can contribute to help others, and how to reach and cooperate with other traditions and religious groups on a global level.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated the Conference, the first of its kind held in Europe, and delivered a keynote address that called for communication, cooperation and common responsibility and endorsed the view that Buddhist centers in the west could do more to support the cause of Tibet, given that the future of Tibet affects the very survival of Tibetan Buddhism.
Ms Tsering Jampa, Executive Director of ICT Europe, was enthusiastic about the discussions over the two days: “I am extremely pleased to hear the comments of the practitioners and scholars on the political challenges that face Tibet and how they can play a role in addressing them.”
“The future of Tibetan Buddhism cannot be separated from the current political and human rights situation inside Tibet. The very fact that we can gather like this, hear the thoughts of His Holiness and have an open and frank dialogue on Tibetan Buddhism is a privilege that is not available to the six million Tibetans living under Chinese rule today.”, Ms Jampa said.