Foreign attendees to the Forum on the Development of Tibet pose for a group photo at the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 6, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
LHASA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- More than 130 researchers, officials and correspondents from over 30 countries wrapped up their week-long tour in Tibet after field trips in the regional capital Lhasa and Shannan Prefecture and a two-day forum on the development of Tibet.
Participants attend the Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
Under the theme of "New Phase of Tibet's Development: Innovative, Coordinated, Green, Open and Shared Development", the forum gathered opportunities and suggestions for how to build a better Tibet and released "2016 Lhasa Consensus" at its closing ceremony.
Following are some highlights of what has been said during the forum:
Christine Davies, Vice President of Asia Society speaks at the opening ceremony of the Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
Christine Davies, Vice President, Global Partnerships, Asia Society
Forums like this one play a very important role in generating mutual understanding and respect.
As we have been informed or reminded through several excellent tours and discussions this week, China intends to make sure that the Tibet Autonomous Region is firmly included in its ambitious nationwide development effort. The infrastructure development plans here are bold and far reaching.
I hope that many outside groups -- whether scholarly, business, or other communities -- are invited to follow in our path this week and see firsthand both the progress and opportunities that exist for further development of this strategic region.
Nikhil Agarwal, Senior Correspondent, Kolkata Bureau of Press Trust of India
India shares a long border with Tibet, but still, due to the geography and the mindset, we do not really get to know what is happening in Tibet.
The forum is the best way to see things that are happening in Tibet, not from reading newspapers or bias about what is happening here.
French writer Sonia Jeanne Bressler speaks at the opening ceremony of the Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
Sonia Jeanne Bressler, French writer
We always approach the subject of Tibet through the prism of the English language and the Anglo-American culture. But this narrow prism forced our reasoning and understanding. Thus we miss all the magic of Tibet.
From western countries, we need to put down our ignorance, pay attention to details, listen harder when in Tibet.
The most important treasure of Tibet is the people so please listen to them and you will understand more about Tibet.
Stuart Thomas Wiggin at a discussion panel during the Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 8, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
Stuart Thomas Wiggin, Journalist, English Center of China Radio International
As an employee within Chinese state media, I have seen countless articles on the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is easy to dwell on the spiritual nature of the region in order to attract eyes to a story, but news concerning Tibet's increasing interconnectivity, and the lengths that local and national government is going to in order to help the region innovate whilst at the same time maintaining the local environment must be championed. As the Tibet Autonomous Region successfully innovates, so too must the style of reporting that journalists carry out on the region in order to provide observers with an updated image of what they only perceive to be a mystical land.
China issue expert Markus Rudolph speaks at a panel during the Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 8, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
Markus Rudolph, China issue expert, Member of Executive Committee for Foreign Affairs, Security, European and Development Policy, CDU Hamburg
Tibet is not the "Shangri-La" that preserves its traditional culture by choosing the self-enclosed way in the age of globalization and Internet. Improved school education and professional training open new life perspectives.
A good education at school for all, up-to-date and well-qualified professional education and higher education will play a vital role in Tibetan modernization and transformation into a region of prosperity and well-being.
Daniel Joseph Dudek, Chief economist, Environmental Defense Fund, USA
Tibet is a land of abundance, rich in natural resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage. It has a unique opportunity to become an exemplar model of innovation, coordination, green development, opening-up and sharing.
Green mountains are gold mountains. Tibet's fresh air and clean water are among the most valuable assets on earth.
Participants attend a discussion panel of the Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
Thanong Khanthong, Executive director, Nation TV Station, Bangkok, Thailand
There is no other place in this world that can match the marvels of Tibet. Its unique culture and elevated plateau create wonder and incite imagination of a faraway land where time almost comes to a stop. By all accounts, Tibet is a crown jewel among the world's most important cultural heritages and civilizations. Therefore, any development plan for Tibet should focus on preserving its wonder and traditional way of life. Sustainable tourism is the answer.
Participants attend a discussion panel of the Forum on the Development of Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
John Crawford, General Manager of Natural History Corporation of New Zealand
Tibet is the best example of diversity in terms of culture, as well as wild life. With modern aspects mixed in the traditional Tibetan life, Tibet is rich with fascinating stories. Outsiders are amazed by the old trade route and the mysterious religion arts, but also they want to know more about the region's growth.
My company will work with our Chinese partners to produce a documentary about Tibet. We'll discover how Tibet is changing amid economic growth and how diversity is reserved amid the flooding modern cultures.
Ahmed Mohamed Elsaid Soliman, General Manager, Wisdom Palace Cultural and Investment Corporation, Egypt
This forum allows more foreigners like me to get a better understanding of Tibet, and also brings Tibet closer to the outside world, which could bring more development opportunities to the region.
I hope all foreign attendees to this forum can write down their feelings about Tibet after this week-long trip, and I am more than willing to translate them to six official UN languages and publish them in different countries, which can be a gift to out trip in Tibet.
Foreign attendees to the Forum on the Development on Tibet visit Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 4, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
