Representative Thinley Chukki Calls on Bolzano President Arno Kompatscher to Strengthen Support for the Tibetan Cause

On 11 March 2025, Representative Thinley Chukki paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Arno Kompatscher, President of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, at Villa Widmann. The meeting aimed to further strengthen relations between the Central Tibetan Administration and the Bolzano Government. Representative Chukki was accompanied by Dr. Günther Cologna of Eurac Research and Phuntsok Tobgyal, UN Advocacy Officer from the Office of Tibet, Geneva.

During the meeting, Representative Thinley Chukki informed that Tibetans and followers of His Holiness the Dalai Lama around the world will celebrate this year as the “Year of Compassion” as His Holiness approaches his 90th birthday.

As a gesture of goodwill, Representative Thinley Chukki presented President Kompatscher with a copy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s latest book, Voice for the Voiceless and conveyed sincere appreciation for Bolzano’s longstanding support of the Tibetan cause and expressed hope for continued collaboration in the future.

President Kompatscher acknowledged the province’s long-standing solidarity with the Tibetan community and reaffirmed Bolzano’s commitment. He emphasised that the provincial government has consistently extended financial assistance to the Tibetan community over the years and assured that this support will continue.

Since the establishment of direct relations with the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in 1993, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol has contributed approximately 2 million euros toward more than 40 development projects. These initiatives have focused on education, social infrastructure, and agricultural development, substantially benefiting Tibetan communities.

In conclusion, President Kompatscher shared plans to establish a new Center for Autonomy and Ethnic Minorities within the upcoming library complex in Bolzano. He noted that the Tibetan issue would be represented within this space as part of its focus.

On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Office of Tibet, Representative Thinley Chukki expressed heartfelt gratitude and appealed for Bolzano’s continued support of the Tibetan cause.