In the 1960s, Tibetan youths from Switzerland, Germany, England and France met regularly in Trogen, Appenzell. The increasing realisation of their own situation as refugees and their moral responsibility towards their own people and country led to the founding of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (TYAE) in the spring of 1970. With around 400 members in four countries and twelve chapters, TYAE is one of the largest and oldest Tibetan youth organisations in Europe.

For over 50 years, TYAE has provided a platform for young Tibetans from all over Europe to network, exchange ideas and get involved politically, culturally and socially.

The violent and illegal occupation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China must never be forgotten. At a political level, the TYAE is therefore doing everything in its power to improve the human rights situation in Tibet and to promote a free Tibet.

In the area of culture, TYAE is committed to the preservation, cultivation and promotion of Tibetan culture through cultural workshops, film festivals, Gorshey events and social media. The Rikshung working group and the individual chapters make a particularly important contribution here.

Since its foundation in 1970, TYAE has set itself the goal of creating a place where young Tibetans can meet and exchange ideas. Our offerings for social engagement range from our counselling and contact point for Tibetan refugees, programmes for children and youth development to events for young Tibetans.