ICT-Europe held the fifth Tibetan Youth Leadership Program in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 9-14 December 2005. This is the second time ICT-Europe hosted this exciting leadership program, which is specifically designed for young Tibetans in Europe and which brings them together with experts who will train them to take leadership positions within the Tibetan community.

This intensive four-day program consisted of workshops, discussions, and media and public-speaker training. Participants learned directly from experts in the fields of international law, Tibetan history and Tibet activism. They were exposed to important issues including the right to self-determination, non-violence, democracy, development in Tibet and China’s perspective of Tibet. The program had a particular emphasis on effectively campaigning the European Union and the United Nations. Participants were also taught key campaigning techniques including public speaking, media relations and lobbying.

Since 2001, the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) has run an intensive training program for Tibetan youth in the United States and in 2003, ICT Europe held its inaugural training program for young Tibetans living in Europe. These programs have provided participants with the opportunity to build professional and social networks, enhance their skills and to become familiar with important institutions and leaders.