- Kathmandu will host the 17th International Association for Tibetan Studies seminar in August, focusing on Tibetan history, culture, and Buddhist scholarship.
- Jointly organized by Kathmandu University centers, the event brings together global experts to discuss ancient manuscripts, philosophy, and contemporary social developments.
- China expressed concerns over the event, highlighting Nepal's challenge in balancing academic freedom with its diplomatic one-China policy commitments.
- Organizers emphasize that the gathering is purely academic, aiming to enhance understanding of Tibetan civilization without pursuing any political agenda.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Kathmandu is preparing to welcome hundreds of scholars, researchers and experts from around the world as the city hosts one of the largest international gatherings dedicated to Tibetan studies next month.
The 17th Seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) will be held in Kathmandu from August 23 to 29, bringing together academics who have spent years researching Tibetan history, Buddhism, culture, language, literature and the social transformations taking place within Tibetan communities.
For Nepal, a country with deep historical and cultural ties to the Himalayan region and Tibetan Buddhism, the event represents an opportunity to strengthen its position as a centre for Buddhist scholarship and academic exchange. However, beyond its academic significance, the seminar has also attracted diplomatic attention due to the sensitivity surrounding Tibetan issues in the region.
The week-long event is being jointly organised by the Himalaya Centre for Asian Studies (HiCAS) at Kathmandu University (KU) and the Kathmandu University Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (KU-CBS at RYI). According to the International Association for Tibetan Studies, the seminar is being convened by Professor Sagar Sharma of HiCAS and Professor Thomas Doctor of KU-CBS at RYI.
Scholars from different parts of the world are expected to participate in the seminar and present research papers on a wide range of topics, including Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, ancient manuscripts, religious traditions, history, art, anthropology, environmental studies and contemporary social developments.
The seminar is taking place at a time when Nepal’s engagement with Tibetan-related cultural activities has drawn renewed attention. The government’s recent decision to allow Tibetan refugees living in Nepal to organise events marking the birthday of the Dalai Lama was closely observed by analysts and diplomatic circles monitoring Nepal-China relations.
“Recently, the government allowed Tibetan refugees to celebrate the birthday of the Dalai Lama, and now this international seminar is being organised in Kathmandu. These developments have attracted attention among those closely following Tibetan affairs in Nepal,” said an observer familiar with the issue.
China has already expressed concern over the organisation of the seminar in Kathmandu. Beijing has consistently regarded Tibetan-related activities as a sensitive issue linked to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Chinese authorities have repeatedly urged Nepal to ensure that its territory is not used for activities they consider to be against China’s interests.
Nepal, which maintains close political, economic and diplomatic relations with China, has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy. The Nepali government has also maintained that it will not allow any political activities directed against China from Nepali territory.
At the same time, Nepal has a long historical association with Tibetan communities and Buddhist traditions. Thousands of Tibetan refugees have been living in Nepal for decades after leaving Tibet following political changes in the 1950s. Many of them have contributed to preserving Tibetan language, culture, art and Buddhist heritage in the country.
The organisers have clarified that the Kathmandu seminar is purely an academic event aimed at promoting research and scholarly discussions. They have emphasised that the gathering has no political agenda and is focused on improving global understanding of Tibetan civilisation and Buddhist knowledge systems.
“Kathmandu has always been a meeting point of Himalayan cultures and traditions. This seminar reflects Nepal’s long-standing role as a centre for cultural and academic exchange,” said an academic involved in Buddhist studies.
The Kathmandu Valley, particularly heritage sites such as Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, has historically been an important centre for Tibetan Buddhist learning and has attracted scholars, monks and researchers from around the world.
Foreign policy experts say Nepal faces a delicate challenge in balancing academic freedom, cultural exchange and diplomatic commitments. While Nepal seeks to maintain strong relations with China, it also remains connected to Tibetan Buddhist traditions through history, culture and religion.
“Tibetan-related events often carry implications beyond academics because of their geopolitical significance. Nepal needs to maintain a careful balance between encouraging scholarly activities and respecting its diplomatic commitments,” said a foreign affairs analyst.
The upcoming seminar is expected to further highlight Kathmandu’s importance as a global centre for Himalayan and Buddhist studies while also drawing attention to Nepal’s role in managing complex cultural and diplomatic issues.
