The 2026 International Symposium on Tibetan Medicine was held in Kathmandu, Nepal
VOK NEWS/Kathmandu- On June 7th, the “2026 International Symposium on Tibetan Medicine” was held in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming, Additional Secretary of the Nepalese Ministry of Health and Food Safety Shree Krishna Shrestha, Chairman of the Nepal-China Cultural and Educational Association Harish Chandra Shah, and Director of the Institute for History of Medicine and Medical Literature of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Zhen Yan delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. More than 50 Tibetan medicine experts and scholars from China, Nepal, and other countries participated in the conference
Ambassador Zhang Maoming pointed out that Tibetan medicine, as an important component of traditional Chinese culture and a valuable legacy of world traditional medicine, is of great significance for promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning. Nepal is an important partner for China in carrying out international exchanges and cooperation in Tibetan medicine. Over the years, the two sides have conducted fruitful cooperation in areas such as traditional medicine research, talent training, academic exchanges, and medical services. He hoped that both sides would take this seminar as an opportunity to further strengthen practical cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, deepen knowledge sharing, joint research and talent training, promote the integrated development of Tibetan medicine and modern medicine, better benefit the people of both countries, and contribute to deepening China-Nepal friendship, advancing health cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and building a global community of health for all.
Assistant Secretary Shree Krishna Shrestha pointed out that Nepal is a country with a long history of traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is not only a historical and cultural heritage but also an important resource for promoting human health. Through scientific research and modern technology, we can further explore the value of traditional medicine and enable it to better serve modern society. China and Nepal have a solid foundation and broad prospects for cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. Both sides can further strengthen cooperation in Tibetan medicine, natural medicines, the protection of medicinal plant resources, and scientific research and innovation, and jointly conduct academic exchanges, joint research, and talent training. Through the joint efforts of both sides, we can not only promote the development of traditional medicine but also contribute more wisdom and strength to global health.
In 2025, the China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Tibetan Medicine Research Center was officially launched in Beijing and Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region. Approved by the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, the center is jointly constructed by the Hospital of Tibetan Medicine of Xizang Autonomous Region and the Institute for History of Medicine and Medical Literature of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. This “2026 International Symposium on Tibetan Medicine” is jointly organized by the Nepal-China Cultural and Educational Association and the China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Tibetan Medicine Research Center, with support from the Institute for History of Medicine and Medical Literature of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.
President Harish Chandra Shah and Director Zhen Yan believe that this conference is one of the important collaborative efforts following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in March 2025. The Symposium actively responded to the concept of “development, collaboration, and sharing”, setting two core themes: the history and scientific research of Tibetan medicine, and the clinical practice and industrial development of Tibetan medicine. Participating experts and scholars, drawing on cutting-edge industry insights and practical experience, conducted academic discussions on several key areas, including the history of Tibetan medicine development, distinctive clinical applications, international development paths, regional advantages of Tibetan medicine, the collation and excavation of ancient texts, and the standardized English translation of Tibetan medical terminology.
The participating scholars unanimously agreed that this conference was not only a collision of cutting-edge ideas and an exchange of academic wisdom, but also an important bridge for colleagues from various countries to deepen friendship, build consensus, and jointly plan for development. They hoped that this symposium would serve as an opportunity to further promote and strengthen international collaboration, not only expanding cooperation pathways in the training of Tibetan medicine professionals, but also facilitating the sharing and exchange of Tibetan medicinal resources and clinical experience among countries, and opening up channels for cooperation in the development of related industries of Tibetan medicine, thereby making new and greater contributions to the continued deepening of the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between China and Nepal.
