Forum on the Development of Xizang

The Forum on the Development of Xizang,^[1] or China Tibet Development Forum (Chinese: 中国西藏发展论坛)^[2] is a high-profile platform, dedicated to exploring the comprehensive development of Tibet Autonomous Region. Since its inception, the forum has evolved into a significant event that addresses the economic, social, cultural, and environmental challenges and opportunities facing Tibet.^[3]

The forum was first launched in 2005, coinciding with the rapid development of western China under the "Go West" strategy.^[4] The inaugural Forum took place in Vienna, Austria, from November 29 to 30, 2007,^[5] with the theme "Tibet: Prospects for Development and Opportunities for Cooperation."^[6][7]

2009

The second forum occurred on October 22–23, 2009, in Rome, Italy.^[8] Initially, its focus was on infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, and ethnic unity. Over the years, the forum has expanded its scope to include broader themes such as ecological conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.^[9]

2011

In 2010, the forum introduced a new format, inviting international participants to share global best practices in regional development, which marked a shift toward more inclusive and global perspectives on Tibet's progress. The Third Forum occurred on November 10–11, 2011, in Athens, Greece.^[10]

2014

The 2014 Forum occurred on August 12–13, 2014, in Lhasa, centered on the theme "Opportunities and Choices for the Development of Tibet".

2016

The 2016 Forum occurred on July 7–8, 2016, in Lhasa.

2019

The 2019 Forum is scheduled to take place in Lhasa on June 14, 2019, under the theme "One Belt, One Road and the Open Development of Tibet",^[11] and President of China Xi Jinping dispatched a congratulatory letter to commemorate the forum's inauguration.^[12][13]

2021

By 2020, the forum had become a biennial event, attracting policymakers, academics and industry leaders from across China and beyond.^[14]

2023

On May 23, 2023, the Forum commenced in Beijing,^[1] with the theme "New Era, New Tibet, New Journey".^[15][16]

The forum's agenda is shaped by Tibet's evolving needs and national priorities. Major topics have included:

• Infrastructure Development: Early discussions focused on the construction of highways, railways, and airports to connect Tibet with the rest of China. The completion of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in 2006 was a landmark achievement highlighted in these forums.^[17]
• Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation: Sessions have explored strategies to boost Tibet's agricultural, pastoral, and tourism sectors while addressing income disparities. The forum has also tracked the progress of poverty eradication programs, which successfully lifted millions out of poverty by 2020.^[18]
• Ecological Conservation: Given Tibet's role as the "water tower of Asia," recent forums have emphasized sustainable land use, biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation. Experts have discussed policies to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.^[19]
• Cultural Preservation and Tourism: The forum has promoted the protection of Tibetan culture, including intangible heritage, traditional arts, and religious sites. It has also explored ways to develop eco-tourism responsibly, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities without damaging fragile ecosystems.^[20]

The Forum on the Development of Xizang has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.^[21] Its recommendations have influenced national strategies for Tibet's development, such as the "Plan for the Economic and Social Development of Tibet (2021-2025) (Chinese: 西藏自治区国民经济和社会发展第十四个五年规划和二〇三五年远景目标纲要)."^[14][22]

• China Western Development