Tokyo. The 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet (WPCT) commenced on 3rd June 2025 at the International Conference Hall of Japanese Parliament with 142 delegates coming from 29 different countries.
The opening session began with welcome address by the Chairperson of the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, Eriko Yamatani and welcome and introductory remarks by the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel.
Addresses followed by the Chief Guest Akiko Santo, Member of the House of Councillors, Former Speaker of the House of Councillors, Japan; Special Guest Akie Abe, former first lady and wife of the late Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe; and Rev. Chojun Ohtani, 25th Chief Abbot of the Higashi Hongwanji Temple. 
The session has also featured video addresses from Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the US House of Representatives and Michael McCaul, Member of United States House of Representative.
The highlight of the session was a special message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and screening of documentary ‘Democracy: The Gift of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet’.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, DIIR Kalon Norzin Dolma, Parliamentarians, DIIR Secretary and Additional Secretary, along with Representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from the offices of Tibet of the Central Tibetan Administration are present in the program.
