Welcoming the delegates at the event, the political leader of Tibetan people, expressed his heartfelt greetings and thanked them for their continued support towards the peaceful Tibetan movement. "On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, I sincerely welcome you all to the conference, even though I myself arrived here this afternoon," Sikyong said. "To see all our friends, old and new, in one room gives us a great sense of solidarity and a renewed hope for the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan people."