United Nations in Bhutan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bhutan:

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01 July 2026

UN and Bhutan's Media Leaders Strengthen Partnership Through Dialogue on Development Storytelling

At the UN–Media Editors' Brunch in Thimphu, editors and content creators from across Bhutan's traditional and digital media sat down with Heads of UN Agencies and members of the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) to reset how the country's development story gets told, and to whom it speaks. What emerged was a shared commitment to put people, not press releases, at the center of Bhutan's development narrative."It was an important interaction between Editors and the UN in Bhutan. We got to hear each other out and found many common points of interest and areas where we can work together for public good and also understand each other better." - Tenzin Lamsang, Editor-in-Chief, the Bhutanese.The gathering underscored the vital role media plays in shaping informed public discourse and reaffirmed the importance of strong partnerships in communicating Bhutan's development journey. Designed as an informal exchange rather than a formal briefing, the brunch gave participants room to share perspectives candidly, surface emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for closer collaboration in telling the stories that matter most to the people of Bhutan.Opening the event, Gaurav Ray, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Chair of the United Nations Communications Group, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to building stronger partnerships with Bhutan's media community. Meaningful dialogue between development partners and the media, he said, is essential to ensuring that development issues remain relevant, accessible, and centred on people's lives.The meeting opened with a joint "One UN Snapshot," a collective picture of the United Nations' work in Bhutan mapped against the Sustainable Development Goals. It walked participants through the breadth of collaboration underway, from gender equality and disability inclusion to climate action, food and nutrition security, emergency preparedness, youth empowerment, mental health, and digital safety, along with upcoming campaigns and international observances offering fresh openings for media engagement. But the presentation was only the entry point. The conversation that followed circled back, again and again, to a single question: how can development stories be brought closer to people? Reflecting on Bhutan's fast-evolving media landscape, participants agreed that development stories land hardest when they are rooted in human experience rather than institutional process. Rather than centering activities and events, they urged a sharper focus on the people behind development initiatives: the tangible impact, the lessons learned, the change felt by individuals, families, and communities.Participants also pushed for development communication that feels genuinely engaging and relatable to today's audiences. As media consumption habits keep shifting, there was broad agreement that storytelling needs room for creativity and authenticity, while staying grounded in evidence and local context. That same spirit carried into a discussion of how the UN can deepen its collaboration with both traditional outlets and Bhutan's growing community of digital storytellers and content creators, with participants encouraging greater openness to creative approaches that let creators tell authentic, audience-centred stories while still carrying development messages through.“Content creators and digital storytellers are softly shaping public narratives in the digital age. Overlooking their influence means missing opportunities to reach audiences that are often difficult to engage through traditional channels. Meaningful collaboration with creators can amplify key messages, inspire action, foster authentic engagement, and build long-term allies for shared causes.”- Dechen Wangdi, Co-founder of Humans of Thimphu.The conversation also turned to a media environment being reshaped in real time. Digital platforms have widened the space for communication even as they raise the bar for timely, credible, and engaging content. Participants stressed the importance of backing quality journalism, strengthening media and information literacy, and investing in formats that resonate with younger audiences, all without compromising accuracy or public trust.According to the Digital 2025: Bhutan report, internet penetration hit 88.4 percent at the start of 2025, with social media reach at 59.2 percent of the population overall and 79.2 percent among adults, up from just 14.4 percent internet penetration in 2011. That is a near-saturated, mobile-first audience, and exactly why participants agreed development messaging can no longer ride on institutional activity reports alone.“We are consuming news and information differently today and we have more choices than ever before. If we want people to care about development issues, we need to tell stories beyond reports and in ways that are relatable, credible, and that reflect important issues affecting local communities.” – Tsedon Dorji, Managing Director, BBS Channel 3Beyond storytelling approaches, participants identified a number of emerging and underreported issues that warrant greater public attention. These included the wellbeing of senior citizens in the context of Bhutan's demographic transition, mental health, disability inclusion, education, water security, disaster preparedness, youth wellbeing, and the growing impacts of climate change. Participants also emphasized the importance of preserving Bhutan's cultural identity and strengthening community vitality as integral components of sustainable development. The discussions further highlighted the value of thematic reporting and field-based storytelling that captures the lived realities of communities. Participants encouraged the United Nations to continue facilitating opportunities for journalists and content creators to engage directly with development initiatives and to communicate not only successes, but also challenges and lessons learned, helping to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public understanding.“I feel the media plays an important role in bringing development issues closer to people by sharing accurate, inclusive, immersive and locally relevant stories through different platforms, including digital media. Collaboration between the United Nations and media houses can strengthen public understanding of development priorities and help amplify voices that inspire positive change and encourage informed dialogue.”- Neten Dorji, Reporter, Kunesel.Participants also exchanged ideas on practical ways to deepen collaboration between the United Nations and Bhutan's media community. Suggestions included improving access to data and subject matter experts, establishing clearer communication channels and focal points, supporting field visits and thematic reporting, and creating more regular opportunities for dialogue beyond formal events. These efforts, participants noted, would help ensure that development stories remain relevant, timely, and accessible to the public.The United Nations welcomed the constructive feedback and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with media partners to ensure that development communication is people-centred, inclusive, and responsive to Bhutan's evolving development priorities.“Development stories have the greatest impact when they are clear, relevant, and told in ways that people can easily relate to through the digital platforms they use every day. Stories that put people at the centre help audiences connect with development issues on a personal level. Working together, the UN and the media can make these issues easier to understand, reach wider audiences, and inspire positive action.”- Yeshi Dorji, Chief Editor (Online), BBSConcluding the dialogue, participants agreed that the brunch marked the beginning of a more sustained partnership between the United Nations and Bhutan's media community. By fostering open exchange, strengthening collaboration, and embracing diverse approaches to storytelling, both the UN and media representatives expressed a shared commitment to amplifying stories that matter, encouraging informed public dialogue, and supporting Bhutan's sustainable development journey while ensuring that no one is left behind.

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A group of five participants seated at a long conference table during the UN-Media Editors Brunch. A woman in a pink and blue traditional Bhutanese dress sits in the center, speaking into a microphone while gesturing with her hand. The other attendees, including men in traditional gho attire and a woman with long dark hair on the right, listen attentively. Laptops, nameplates, water bottles, and small potted plants are arranged across the table in an indoor setting.

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25 June 2026

Bhutan Joins Global Football Movement to Score for the Sustainable Development Goals

This spirit was at the heart of the Football for the Goals Cup, a global United Nations initiative that harnesses the world's most popular sport to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Bhutan, the campaign was delivered through a partnership between the United Nations in Bhutan and the Bhutan Football Federation, bringing together the values of teamwork, inclusion and fair play to encourage positive action for people and the planet.Over the course of the campaign, a series of digital stories, social media posts and interactive content invited football fans, young people and the wider public to join the global Football for the Goals community through the AWorld app. The platform enables users to track simple, everyday actions—from making sustainable lifestyle choices and promoting equality to supporting climate action and inclusion—that collectively contribute to achieving the SDGs.The campaign reached audiences across Bhutan, generating more than 75,800 views across Facebook and Instagram and helping amplify the message that everyone has a role to play in building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future. The initiative also coincided with Bhutan's observance of the International Day of Play, reinforcing the importance of sport and physical activity for children's wellbeing and development. This message is particularly timely, as only 23 per cent of adolescents in Bhutan meet the recommended levels of physical activity, highlighting the need to create more opportunities for children and young people to play, learn and thrive through sport.As Bhutan continues its journey towards sustainable development, partnerships such as this demonstrate how sport can be a powerful platform for engaging communities, inspiring behavioural change and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Because when it comes to creating a better future for people and the planet, we are all on the same team.

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Publication

31 March 2026

2025 UNITED NATIONS IN BHUTAN COUNTRY RESULTS REPORT

The country advanced deeper into its first years as a post‑LDC nation and accelerated the ambitions of the 13th Five‑Year Plan. Against a backdrop of demographic transition, economic revitalization efforts, and intensifying climate impacts, Bhutan reaffirmed a clear and future‑focused vision: to build a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous society grounded in the values of Gross National Happiness. This vision came to life through strengthened institutions, expanding digital and green transformations, and growing national ownership of reforms that safeguard Bhutan’s development gains while preparing the country for emerging challenges.Throughout 2025, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) worked closely with the Royal Government of Bhutan and diverse national partners to ensure that the Cooperation Framework (2024–2028) remained responsive to the country’s evolving priorities. UN support shifted from laying foundational systems to embedding long-term reforms—in climate resilience, social protection, data governance, inclusive social services, and sustainable economic growth. From pioneering Bhutan’s first Education Technology Framework to advancing NDC 3.0, scaling gender‑responsive programmes, expanding youth leadership spaces, and strengthening systems for justice and disability inclusion, the UNCT helped align national aspirations with globally informed, locally owned solutions.As Bhutan navigates rapid transformation—shaped by outward migration, economic diversification, and urgent climate risks—the UN stands ready to deepen its role as a trusted partner. The year’s results reflect not only progress achieved, but also the collective determination to leave no one behind: empowering rural communities, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups with opportunities to participate in and benefit from national development.Looking ahead, the momentum of 2025 provides a strong foundation for the next phase of implementation. With continued collaboration across government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners, the UNCT will support Bhutan in accelerating climate adaptation, strengthening food systems, expanding inclusive governance, and mobilizing financing toward long‑term resilience. Together, Bhutan and the United Nations will continue advancing a development pathway that is sustainable, equitable, and firmly anchored in the aspirations of the Bhutanese people.

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2025 UN Bhutan Country Results Report cover picture. Top left- Women on the top right corner tending to her hydroponics crops. Top middle-close-up of two young school girls during school lunch, one eating with a spoon, and one is smiling, biting on her spoon and holding up two fingers as a pose. top right- a young monk washing his hands. middle left- a mother holding her new born baby. middle middle- three men in a consultation, one of them (middle) is speaking into the mic, he is a person with blindness.

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03 May 2026

Honouring the Fourth Estate: Celebrating Excellence at Bhutan’s 10th National Journalism Awards

The celebration coincided with World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2026, marking a decade of excellence, integrity, and public service in journalism. Organized by the Journalists’ Association of Bhutan, the awards brought together journalists, editors, media institutions, CSOs and other partners to recognize those who continue to inform, engage, and empower Bhutanese society.Media in a changing worldAs Bhutan navigates rapid digital transformation, the role of journalists remains as important as ever, balancing speed with accuracy, and accessibility with responsibility.Discussions during the awards highlighted the growing need to:Counter misinformation and strengthen media literacy,Uphold ethical journalism standards,Build public trust,Ensure inclusive storytelling that reaches all communities. These priorities align closely with global commitments to freedom of expression, access to information, and inclusive development. The UN’s partnership with media in BhutanThe United Nations in Bhutan recognizes the media as a critical partner in advancing sustainable development.From amplifying voices of vulnerable groups to raising awareness on national priorities—from climate action to gender equality and disability inclusion, journalists play a pivotal role in ensuring that no one is left behind.This year, the United Nations supported award categories honoring excellence in:Agrifood reporting.Climate and Environmental journalism.Stories on women and children.Social media engagement. In a world where information shapes decisions and societies, investing in strong, independent journalism remains essential to building a more informed, inclusive, and resilient Bhutan.

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Seven men stand on a stage at the 10th National Journalism Awards in Bhutan, including the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative Mohammad Younus, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji (Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment), Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung (Minister of Infrastructure and Transport), Australian Ambassador Philip Green, and Opposition Leader Pema Chewang, all holding publications against a backdrop of event logos.

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26 June 2026

Civil Society and the UN Come Together to Advance the Promise of LNOB.

These were the central questions at the heart of a candid, wide-ranging consultation between civil society organizations and the United Nations in Bhutan, held on 26 June 2026, coinciding with the 81st anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter.On the day the world marks the founding of the United Nations, Bhutan's civil society and the UN sat down together to ask an honest question: who is the UN system still failing to reach? The consultation was a deliberate statement of intent, that the Charter's founding commitment to the dignity and equality of all people is not a historical artifact, but an active obligation that demands honest reckoning and concrete action.The session was convened by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, grounded in Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan and Vision 2035, and aligned with four UN accountability frameworks: the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, the UN Youth Scorecard, the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard, and the Secretary-General's Gender Equality Acceleration Plan (GEAP).It brought together representatives from 18 civil society organizations covering a wide spectrum of constituencies: persons with disabilities, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ individuals, senior citizens, rural communities, health-focused organizations, media and civic space advocates, and economic associations.Opening the session, UN Resident Coordinator Gaurav Ray set a deliberate tone, framing the afternoon not as a reporting exercise, but as a working session the UN needs as much as civil society does."Leaving No One Behind is not a slogan, it is a commitment to listen, to partner, and to act. The voices shared through this consultation will help inform how the UN works, partners, and advocates to ensure that those furthest behind are better reached through development efforts in Bhutan." — Gaurav Ray, UN Resident Coordinator, BhutanPersons with Disabilities and CaregiversRepresentatives from DRAKTSHO, the Disabled Person's Organization of Bhutan, Phensem Parents Support Group, and Wangsel Institute for the Deaf brought into focus a community navigating systemic exclusion on multiple fronts.Bhutan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2023, but with four reservations covering liberty of movement and national identity; respect for the family and home; economic welfare and employment; and participation in political activities. At the most recent National Council session, a motion to amend those reservations to "declarations" was defeated with 14 members voted to retain them, 6 to remove them. Participants were unambiguous about what this means in practice: limited legal protections, gaps in reasonable accommodation, and programmes built around assumptions of ability rather than the full range of human experience.The disability organizations present, who have recently formed the Bhutan Disability Alliance as a new coordinating network, stressed that the parliamentary defeat stemmed in large part from a misunderstanding. Many legislators believed that full ratification would impose immediate, overnight obligations on the state. Disability rights advocates consider this legally incorrect: the principle of progressive realization means rights are fulfilled incrementally. The Alliance called for targeted parliamentary advocacy co-developed with legal experts to correct this misperception before the next vote. Participants also exposed the uneven texture of disability itself. While physical disabilities tend to receive the most programming attention, intellectual, psychosocial, sensory, and multiple disabilities are significantly underrepresented in national discourse. Deaf children are entirely excluded from Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programmes, which presuppose hearing ability. Students with ADHD and anxiety face a school system that applies no adapted approaches, with diagnosis often leading to pharmaceutical responses rather than psychosocial support. And reliable, disaggregated data on persons with disabilities, by type, location, and age, does not currently exist."Psychosocial and cognitive disabilities, as common as ADHD and as complex as schizophrenia, are present across Bhutan's population. Often, they aren't considered for societal reintegration. Support groups and community activities that raise awareness can make it easier for people to reintegrate into society." — Kuenzang Lhendup Dorji, Programme Officer, SelwaParticipants also raised a structural financing gap: disability-responsive public budgeting does not exist in any systematic form. Without it, disability programming will remain a peripheral, project-dependent activity. Gender Equality and Women EmpowermentRepresentatives from RENEW and other gender-focused CSOs brought a grounded analysis of the distance between Bhutan's gender equality commitments and the lived realities of women and girls.Gender-based violence (GBV) remains prevalent across all regions. RENEW identified four emerging trends: ongoing violence at community and household levels; increasing economic vulnerability among affected women; weak mental health integration across GBV institutions; and a sharp rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), including the non-consensual sharing of images on platforms such as Telegram, that the current national GBV Standard Operating Procedure does not adequately address.Structural barriers compound the problem. GBV services, shelters, legal aid, counseling, livelihood support, are concentrated in Thimphu. Deaf women have no meaningful access to any of these services: providers do not know sign language, and there is no adapted referral pathway. One participant described the experience of trying to report a domestic violence case and having to call seven or eight different numbers with no clear lead agency and no accountable outcome. A Bhutanese girl consistently achieves high educational outcomes, yet deep-rooted gender norms continue to limit women's participation in leadership from the Tshogpa and Gup levels to the National Assembly. Participants traced this to generational conditioning: leadership trainings with mothers' groups found that, when asked their preference in the absence of constraints, most women said they would choose to stay at home. The double burden, women in public life taking on both household responsibilities and public duties while men take on only one, is rarely named in capacity-building programmes.Participants called for a single-number GBV referral mechanism, strengthened training for police and healthcare workers, and an updated GBV SOP that comprehensively addresses TFGBV. They also identified economic empowerment as the underlying enabler for all other forms of women's empowerment, income generation, skills training, and access to digital financial tools create the foundation on which political participation becomes possible."The people being left behind are often those whose voices are unheard survivors of violence, persons with disabilities, vulnerable families, and those living in far flung communities. Inclusion begins when we ensure their voices are part of decisions, services are accessible, and support reaches them where they are". —Neem Lhamo Moktan, Program Officer, Respect Empower Nurture and Educate (RENEW)Youth EmpowermentRepresentatives from youth-focused CSOs immediately challenged a framing the room recognized: young people are consistently described as "the future of Bhutan" — a framing that quietly excludes them from decisions being made right now.Participants cited encouraging examples where youth voice is genuinely shaping outcomes: Tarayana Foundation's My Gakidh model in Punakha, where young women designed and led a community foraging enterprise that measurably increased their voice in local decision-making; Bhutan Media Foundation's YUMRA group, conducting a national assessment on cyberbullying for presentation to government; and YDF's You Lead the Change curriculum for local-level youth leadership.But these remain exceptions. A major structural gap identified across participants was the proliferation of youth groups with overlapping mandates and no coordinating mechanism, fragmented energy, duplication, and diluted policy influence. The Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS), developed with UNICEF support to register youth networks, sits at approximately 10% utilization and does not track skills or coordinate programming between organizations. YDF has submitted a proposal to UNICEF to revamp this system and formalize it as a coordination platform. Participants also flagged that young people face structural barriers to monetizing digital skills: the absence of direct international payment pathways means content creators lose significant earnings to intermediaries, deterring sustainable digital livelihoods. At the same time, youth are significantly more aware of AI ethics, digital rights, and platform harms than older decision-makers, knowledge that is not being surfaced or acted upon in national planning."I believe coordinated efforts are key to ensuring no one is left behind. Children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, persons with disabilities, and people in remote communities continue to face barriers to opportunities and services. Strengthening collaboration among government, civil society, communities, and development partners will help create more inclusive opportunities and ensure inclusivity." — Roma Pradhan, Director of Programmes and Skill Development, Youth Development Fund (YDF).LGBTQIA+ CommunityRepresentatives from two LGBTQIA+-serving organizations brought candid perspectives on what inclusion means for a community that is rarely named in programme design. That both organizations remain unregistered is itself a signal of the institutional barriers they face before any conversation about services, data, or policy even begins.Following Bhutan's decriminalization of same-sex relationships, a significant threshold was crossed. But legal recognition has not translated automatically into social acceptance, service access, or visibility in national planning. Participants were clear that the most effective pathway to inclusion is integration across all programmes, not the creation of separate, standalone LGBTQIA+ interventions. LGBTQIA+ individuals face barriers in health, education, employment, and social support; the same systems all other LNOB groups interact with. Making those systems more responsive benefits everyone.A 2023 study on key population health access, involving Pride Bhutan and presented to the Ministry of Health found that health workers are not trained in gender- and sexuality-competent care. One case shared: a transgender woman presenting with breast pain was advised by a provider to "behave like a girl" rather than receive treatment. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals avoid health facilities entirely due to expected stigma, resorting to self-medication. The national curriculum includes content on gender, sexuality, and consent that implicitly addresses LGBTQIA+ issues, but teachers are not trained to deliver it and are often reluctant to engage. In rural communities, no LGBTQIA+ individuals have come forward or been identified through community programming, not because they do not exist, but because stigma is more acute, and there are no safe pathways for disclosure. TFGBV disproportionately affects transgender women and gender-nonconforming youth, and existing legal frameworks do not adequately cover targeted digital abuse based on sexual orientation or gender identity."People most at risk of being left behind are those whose identities, circumstances, or voices remain invisible in public systems. Inclusion is not about creating separate systems for different groups, it is about ensuring that existing policies, services, and decision-making processes are accessible, respectful, and responsive to everyone." – Tashi Tsheten, Co-founder, Queer Voices of Bhutan (QVoB).Strengthening Partnerships for InclusionAcross every dialogue group, a single theme surfaced with striking consistency: the indispensable role of civil society as the bridge between communities and institutions. CSOs are not just service providers; they build the trust that makes services work, and they carry knowledge of who is being left behind that no government database currently captures.The consultation surfaced five patterns that cut across all groups and must shape how the UN and its partners respond: a persistent gap between laws on paper and practice on the ground; the absence of disaggregated data on marginalized populations; a stark urban-rural divide in service access and awareness; funding structures that pull organizations toward donor priorities rather than community need; and the compounding disadvantage faced by those who belong to more than one excluded group at once.The consultation also opened a direct conversation about deepening UN-CSO collaboration, moving beyond project-by-project engagement toward a structured, ongoing relationship grounded in shared accountability.A Message for Charter DayOrganized on the 81st anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, this consultation is a reminder of what the Charter's founding vision requires in practice: that peace, dignity, and development must extend to every person, regardless of age, gender, disability, identity, location, or circumstance. The outcomes from the consultation will contribute to ongoing UN efforts to ensure that development programming, advocacy, and partnerships are responsive to the needs and priorities of those most at risk of being left behind in Bhutan.Because meaningful development is only possible when no one is left behind.

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An illustration of an indoor meeting room in Bhutan where a large-group consultation is taking place. In the foreground, six people sit around a polished wooden conference table equipped with tabletop microphones and documents. The participants—three men and three women—are dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire, including gho and kira with tegos. The man at the center of the main table holds a microphone and speaks. Behind them, an audience sits at tiered desks with laptops, engaged in the meeting.

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16 May 2026

Advancing Disability Inclusion Through Agenda Chikha in Eastern Bhutan.

The meeting brought together local government officials, UN agencies, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organizations, development partners, the Monastic Body, and executive members of the UN Club of Sherubtse College. “There is much positive energy and momentum behind the disability inclusion agenda in Bhutan. I am honoured to be a part of this journey and invigorated by the possibility of doing whatever I can to support it” – Timothy Wilson, Head of Office, UN RCOAgenda Chikha is a voluntary initiative that brings together entities working on disability inclusion to support the National Policy and Action Plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The motivating premise of Agenda Chikha is that much more will be achieved when everyone works together. It is an open-door initiative – anyone working on disability inclusion is welcome to join. The Steering Committee meeting was a multi-day engagement that combined strategic dialogue, institutional visits, and community interaction. It created space to reflect on progress, identify persistent gaps, and strengthen coordinated action under Bhutan’s national disability inclusion framework.The meeting opened with reflections on the importance of coordinated and locally grounded approaches to disability inclusion. Discussions emphasized the need to ensure that accessibility and inclusion are integrated from the earliest stages of planning and policy design. Representatives from Trashigang Dzongkhag highlighted ongoing efforts to improve accessibility in public infrastructure and services, including the construction of accessible Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centres and toilets, and the incorporation of inclusive design considerations in new infrastructure projects.Participants noted that retrofitting infrastructure remains both technically and financially challenging, reinforcing the importance of adopting universal design principles from the outset.The discussions also highlighted the need to involve persons with disabilities and OPDs more consistently during planning, consultation, and accessibility audit processes.“Trashigang is committed to being an action-oriented dzongkhag that continues to strengthen disability inclusion through practical and locally grounded solutions” – Dasho Ugyen Dorji, Trashigang Dzongdag The meeting further explored the importance of reliable disability data at the local level, with Trashigang committing to strengthen data collection on persons with disabilities and present findings at the next Steering Committee meeting.Presentations from Muenseling Institute for the Visually Impaired, UNICEF, Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, and partner organizations highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive education and disability-inclusive services in Bhutan.Muenseling Institute for the Visually Impaired shared its journey since its establishment in 1973, highlighting its commitment to providing holistic education for children with visual impairments through both academic and life-skills-based learning. The institute also shared achievements in inclusive education, while outlining challenges including limited accessible learning materials, maintenance of braille equipment, and balancing academic, vocational, and life skills curricula.UNICEF presented its ongoing work on inclusive education and disability-inclusive social protection systems, including:accessible digital textbooks currently being piloted in 19 schools across nine dzongkhags;efforts to strengthen inclusive education standards;support for disability data systems;and work toward a national social protection strategy, including a potential child disability grant pilot. A dedicated session on invisible disabilities explored barriers faced by individuals whose disabilities may not be immediately recognized, and the implications this has for access to education, services, and public understanding.Wangsel Institute for the Deaf also shared updates on Bhutanese Sign Language interpretation services, highlighting progress in interpreter training while noting that information accessibility and limited access to services remain major barriers for many deaf persons in Bhutan.The discussions reinforced the importance of communication accessibility and the need for stronger systems that ensure persons with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of society.The Steering Committee also hosted a proposal pitching session where members shared ideas aimed at strengthening disability inclusion efforts across Bhutan.Proposals included:disability accessibility initiatives, including exploring a Bhutan-adapted “Blue Poppy Initiative” inspired by the Sunflower Project model;stronger disability data collection systems at dzongkhag level;youth-led social service initiatives;awareness campaigns and storytelling through success stories and short videos;and efforts to advance endorsement and implementation of the national Action Plan for Disability Inclusion. The session created opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and identifying practical, community-driven solutions. Beyond the formal discussions, the engagement included visits to Muenseling Institute for the Visually Impaired, Draktsho East, and Sherubtse College.Committee members interacted with students, educators, and institutional leaders, observing inclusive education and vocational training efforts in practice.At Sherubtse College, members of the UN Club engaged in discussions on youth leadership, collaboration, and opportunities for young people to contribute to sustainable and inclusive development efforts in Bhutan. “Being part of the 4th Agenda Chikha Steering Committee Meeting was an honour. It was encouraging to see different stakeholders working together toward disability inclusion, and it reminded me that youth voices also matter in shaping a more accessible and inclusive future” – Jigme Wangmo, President, UN Club Sherubtse CollegeThe Steering Committee concluded with reflections on key lessons, next steps, and future areas for collaboration. Participants reaffirmed the importance of coordinated, inclusive, and locally grounded approaches that place persons with disabilities at the centre of planning and decision-making.“A stitch in time saves nine” – Kinley Wangchuk, Executive Director, DPOBThe engagement reinforced a shared commitment among partners to continue working toward a more inclusive Bhutan, one where no one is left behind.

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Participants, including Dasho Ugyen Dorji, Trashigang Dzongdag, take part in an opening prayer ceremony during the 4th Agenda Chikha Steering Committee Meeting in Trashigang.

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24 April 2026

A Step Toward a Lead-Free Future for Children in Bhutan.

During a joint visit by the Resident Coordinator, Mr. Gaurav Ray, and UNICEF Representative, Ms. Rushnan Murtaza, ongoing blood lead level assessments were observed. The assessments are part of a national initiative to better understand and address lead exposure. Among those present was 10-year-old Tashi Jungsel, calm and composed as he underwent testing. These individual moments are part of a much larger national effort. For five weeks, blood lead level testing was conducted among sick children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and adults most at risk. The results will inform the development of Bhutan’s first National Lead Poisoning Clinical Guideline, helping ensure timely care and stronger protections for families.With support from UNICEF, including lead testing equipment, the Ministry of Health and the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan are advancing this critical work to generate evidence and strengthen response systems.The urgency is clear. A national survey found that 76 per cent of young children in Bhutan have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, posing serious risks to their health and learning. In response, the country has already taken important steps: identifying sources of lead in commonly used items such as cookware and kitchen items, spices, toys, and some religious items; increasing awareness among healthcare professionals, parents, teachers, and communities; and working on a long-term strategy.Globally, lead poisoning affects one in three children and contributes to millions of deaths each year. In Bhutan, coordinated action grounded in evidence is already driving meaningful progress. #LeadFreeFuture #LeadFreeBhutan

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The UN Resident Coordinator, the UNICEF Representative, and a research specialist from MECRIT, KGUMSB observe as 10-year-old Tashi Jungsel undergoes a blood lead level test at the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital.

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14 April 2026

UN Bhutan Launches an Easy-Read Version of the Cooperation Framework to Advance Disability Inclusion.

The aim of this version is to ensure that all people, including persons with disabilities, can meaningfully engage in the country’s development priorities. The Cooperation Framework, which guides the UN’s support to Bhutan through 2028, places the principle of Leaving No One Behind at its core.The easy-read version contains the same content as the full version but simplifies the structure and language.It builds on strong progress made by the UN in Bhutan to advance disability inclusion.Progress in 2024:Integrating disability inclusion across the Cooperation Framework, including outcomes, programmes, and monitoring systemsKeeping disability inclusion as a priority in UN leadership, coordination, and planning processesStrengthening partnerships with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), ensuring their voices inform policies, programmes, and consultationsExpanding inclusive joint initiatives such as Agenda Chikha, and embedding disability inclusion in new programmesImproving accessibility across UN operations, including offices, events, procurement, and digital platformsIncreasing focus on disability data and evidence to support more inclusive decision-makingPromoting inclusive employment and workplace practices within the UN systemBuilding staff capacity through training and awareness on disability inclusionAdvancing inclusive communication through campaigns and accessible materials14 out of 14 applicable indicators exceeded the minimum requirements in 2024 and 2025, compared to 5 out of 14 indicators meeting the minimum requirements in 2023, under the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) Scorecard.These efforts reflect a system-wide approach to embedding disability inclusion in both programming and operations, ensuring more inclusive and responsive development support in Bhutan.As the Resident Coordinator, Mr. Gaurav Ray, stated:"Disability inclusion in Bhutan is not a parallel effort, it is the way UN partnership is designed and delivered. From making the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework accessible in easy-read formats, to achieving strong results under the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, we are seeing real system-wide change. Our commitment is to ensure that every person, including persons with disabilities, can understand, participate in, and benefit from Bhutan’s development journey, because inclusive development is effective development."Moving Forward: A Shared Commitment to Inclusive DevelopmentThe launch of the easy-read version of the Cooperation Framework (2024-2028) demonstrates the UN’s continued commitment to ensuring that national development is understood, accessible, and inclusive for all. Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, the UN Country Team remains dedicated to supporting Bhutan’s progress toward a more inclusive, accessible, and resilient society.Read the full easy-read version here.

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Cover illustration of the Easy Read Cooperation Framework showing three Bhutanese people—two women (one older, one younger) and one child—wearing traditional dress, sitting on chairs, with the older woman raising her hand as if explaining something.

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27 January 2026

Scaling Local Value: How Blended Finance Is Strengthening Bhutan’s Dairy Sector

As concessional flows narrow, small and medium agri-enterprises face a widening gap between early-stage grants and commercial loans that remain difficult to access. For Serkar Dairy Private Limited, that gap could have constrained growth. Instead, catalytic blended finance unlocked scale. In 2023, Serkar accessed BTN 2.7 million (US$ 32,401) through a blended structure combining grant support and concessional lending under a UN-supported agri-tech scale-up initiative. The package reduced investment risk while reinforcing financial discipline, 47 per cent of the loan has already been repaid, with no defaults. The financing enabled procurement and installation of automated cheese filling and packaging equipment, increasing daily processing capacity nearly sixfold: from 350 kilograms in 2023 to 2,000 kilograms in 2025. The impact extends across the value chain. Serkar now purchases 400–500 litres of milk daily from local farmers, strengthening rural incomes and market stability. Employment has expanded to 25 staff, with additional recruitment underway — surpassing the initial commitment of 13 jobs. Under its Ai-Gha brand, processed cheddar cheese is distributed through the Food Corporation of Bhutan and retail outlets across eight dzongkhags, contributing to import substitution and more resilient domestic supply chains. Serkar Dairy’s trajectory demonstrates how structured blended finance, combining risk-sharing capital with accountability, can enable enterprise growth aligned with national priorities. As Bhutan navigates its post-LDC transition, such models offer a pathway for scaling local industries, creating jobs, and strengthening economic resilience from within.

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Press Release

04 November 2025

Bhutan SDG Partnership Week 2025

Trashigang, Bhutan: The United Nations in Bhutan and Sherubtse College will organise the second annual Bhutan SDG Partnership Week from 5–7 November 2025. The event is a vibrant national platform to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through youth leadership, gender equality, and inclusive participation.The event marks a milestone in Bhutan’s sustainable development journey and coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, reflecting on global progress and reaffirming commitment to a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future. Mr. Tshering Wangdi, President of Sherubtse College, stated“Sherubtse College is proud to host this national platform where young minds turn global goals into local action. Our students are learning not just to dream of a better world, but to build it—with knowledge, empathy, and purpose,” With less than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this year’s Bhutan SDG Partnership Week will focus on gender equality, highlighting the leadership and participation of women and girls as drivers of transformative change. Sport and cultural activities will also feature prominently, in line with the United Nations Pact for the Future, recognising sport and culture as catalysts for social cohesion, inclusion, well-being, and peace.Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. highlighted “The next three days are more than a gathering of partners; they are a living testament to what Bhutan does best, bringing communities, institutions, and generations together to shape a shared future.”On the first day, the SDG Champions Parade and Ball Games will kick off the week, promoting teamwork, inclusion, and disability empowerment. Participants will march under banners representing the 17 SDGs.The second day will spotlight youth leadership through panel discussions addressing gender equality, climate action, education, and mental health. Young changemakers, particularly young women, will share their experiences and innovations in advancing sustainable development. The day will also feature the Hing Sang Sang Together – United for a Clean Bhutan campaign, mobilising students and local communities in Kanglung, Trashigang, for a hands-on environmental action.The week will conclude on the third day with the SDG Festival, an interactive space highlighting student-led initiatives, inclusive enterprises, and creative expressions of Bhutan’s journey toward the 2030 Agenda. Visitors can engage with educational booths, experience the Colors of Equality Art Drive, and witness a grand SDG Concert, celebrating culture, talent, and sustainability. The fair will also showcase products made by persons with disabilities, reinforcing Bhutan’s commitment to inclusion and economic empowerment.First launched in 2024 by Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, the Bhutan SDG Partnership Week is a national platform to celebrate and strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event brings together government institutions, development partners, youth groups, civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions to collaborate for inclusive and sustainable progress. Ms. Jigme Wangmo, UN Club Coordinator of Sherubtse College, stated “The Bhutan SDG Partnership Week is a space where youth come together not just to learn but to lead. Every conversation, every action, and every shared idea brings us closer to a sustainable future.”Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay has emphasised the importance of partnerships in driving Bhutan’s sustainable development, highlighting the alignment between Gross National Happiness and the SDGs.The Bhutan SDG Partnership Week 2025 is a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to building a society where no one is left behind, engaging youth, communities, and partners across sectors to drive inclusive and transformative change.

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Press Release

19 August 2025

United Nations Calls for Youth Participation at Every Level

The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Bhutan, Karla Robin Hershey, stated“The United Nations is inspired by the ideas and energy of young people...Young people are pivotal in steering global progress. As torchbearers, they give us hope that we can put the world back on track towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”The celebrations for International Youth Day will take place from 9-25 August in Thimphu. They are organised under the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development." The celebration begins with a Hackathon at Gyalpozhing College of Information and Technology in Thimphu on 9 August, followed by other events. The pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development will be on display at the Hackathon run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The events also include a National Youth Symposium led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), as well as a panel discussion on the UPSHIFT Programme, organised by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The UPSHIFT programme empowers young people with a set of 21st-century skills to thrive in today’s modern world. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will also hold capacity-building initiatives on protecting against sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The events take place in the build-up to the Summit of the Future, which will bring world leaders together to the United Nations Headquarters in New York to find new ways forward that safeguard the future and deliver a better present. “Next month’s Summit of the Future is an opportunity to build global problem-solving mechanisms that are more networked and inclusive,” states the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres. “I urge leaders to use the Summit to advance youth participation at every level, establish youth consultative bodies, promote intergenerational dialogue, and scale up funding opportunities for young people everywhere.

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Press Release

10 August 2025

Bhutan Celebrates International Youth Day 2025 with a Focus on Local Youth Actions for the SDGs

This year’s IYD commemoration will bring the focus to Bhutanese youth as changemakers, mobilising them to engage in issues that matter most- climate action, gender equality, inclusive education, mental health, and innovation. The event will be youth-led and youth-designed, with a vibrant atmosphere featuring informative booths, live music, and most importantly, a space for reflection, open dialogue, and celebration. The event will see two Youth Dialogues:Dialogue I: We Are Not Just the Future; We Are the NowThis panel shines a light on young changemakers who are taking the lead in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level. With a focus on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the dialogue will explore how youth are driving change in their communities—through climate advocacy, sustainable innovation, inclusive education efforts, and more. Panellists will share their real-life experiences and bold ideas, showing how young people are not waiting for the future to act—they’re already making an impact here and now. The session will highlight the power of youth-led solutions, the urgency of intergenerational collaboration, and the need to amplify youth voices in decision-making at every level.Dialogue II: Voices We Don’t Hear EnoughThe second panel discussion will centre on themes of inclusion, gender equality, and mental health, with links to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). This dialogue will create a safe and open space for youth panellists to share personal stories and perspectives on stigma, identity, and access to support, particularly from the viewpoints of those who are often underrepresented or unheard.The event will also have a young digital entrepreneur share perceptions on how digital innovation can address development challenges in Bhutan. This short presentation will demonstrate the potential of tech-based solutions in a local context, with a focus on youth empowerment and job creation.As a special feature, the event will include a simultaneous watch party through livestreaming, allowing young people in remote schools across Bhutan to join the celebration in real time. This virtual participation will help expand the reach of the event, ensuring that youth voices and ideas are connected across regions and that students in rural areas can engage with the discussions, performances, and youth-led initiatives being showcased. Questions from these schools will also be entertained during the panel discussions.This event is organised by the UN Bhutan Adolescent and Youth Advisory Board, in collaboration with the UN Bhutan Youth Working Group and UN Bhutan Communications Group.

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Press Release

08 March 2025

Bhutan launches National Strategy and Framework of Action to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence.

The strategy marks a milestone in Bhutan’s commitment to ending GBV, a major obstacle to achieving SDG 5 on Gender Equality and over 80 related SDG indicators. Developed by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for coordinated and sustained actions to combat GBV and ensure a violence-free Bhutan where Bhutanese women and girls live a life free from all forms of violence. According to a study on prevalence of violence against women and girls launched in 2019, two in five Bhutanese women experience one or more forms of partner violence, with 53.4% believing it is sometimes ‘justified.’ Childhood exposure to violence was also found to increase the likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating partner violence in adulthood. The strategy seeks to change the worrying status quo. Built on four pillars of Response, Prevention, Enabling Environment and Data and Evidence, the strategy adopts a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling violence against women and girls.The launch of this strategy is timely. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark blueprint for gender equality. Beijing+30 reflects on progress made and challenges ahead.The response pillar emphasises the establishment of accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive response services for all survivors of GBV by 2028, while the prevention pillar is centred around bringing a cultural and societal shift to promote zero tolerance of GBV and harmful practices through education, awareness and community engagement. The enabling environment pillar focuses on strengthening the policy, legal and institutional environment that prevents GBV and harmful practices. The data and evidence pillar pioneers a robust data collection and analysis system to inform and enhance programmes for preventing and responding to GBV and harmful practices. Quote from Dasho Kesang Deki, Chairperson, National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC):“Today marks a hopeful and transformative step towards a safer, more equal Bhutan. The launch of the National Strategy and Framework of Action on Elimination of Gender-Based Violence demonstrates our collective determination to protect the rights and dignity of all women and girls. While the prevalence of violence remains a challenge, we are confident that we can shift societal attitudes, strengthen legal frameworks, and ensure that every Bhutanese citizen lives free from violence. This strategy is not just a plan—it's a promise to future generations that we will create a society where gender equality and safety are the foundation of our shared values." Quote from Karla Robin Hershey, UN Resident Coordinator, Bhutan: "Ending gender-based violence requires more than policies and frameworks—it demands collective action, continuous advocacy, and a shift in mindsets to create a culture of equality, respect, and non-violence." – Quote from Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA Country Director:"The launch of the GBV Prevention and Response Strategy marks a critical step toward ensuring that all women and girls can live free from violence and exercise their rights and choices...This strategy strengthens collective efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence by fostering collaboration between government, civil society organisations, and front-line service providers, with survivors at the centre of these efforts."Quote from Mohammad Younus, UNDP Resident Representative: “Combating gender-based violence remains a critical area of our work in Bhutan...The National Strategy and Framework for Action to Combat GBV, which builds on our longstanding partnership with NCWC, is a blueprint to bring all stakeholders together for a more coordinated and holistic approach to tackling violence against women and girls. UNDP remains committed to supporting efforts to translate the strategy into tangible actions for a lasting impact.”Quote from Andera James, UNICEF Representative:“Evidence shows that Violence Against Women and Violence Against Children often coexist within households, share common risk factors, and can be addressed by preventing the root causes. This strategy will integrate our efforts to create a safer environment for both women and children. UNICEF is committed towards scaling up evidence-based prevention interventions for girls, boys, and women at greatest risk of violence, and strengthening access to response and support services to prevent recurrence and break the intergenerational cycle of violence.”

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Press Release

10 December 2024

The PEMA Secretariat and UN Bhutan Partner to Address Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

Effective from 10 December 2024 to 9 December 2025, this agreement underscores a jointcommitment to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals, particularly survivors of SEA,by adopting a human rights-based and victim-survivor-centered approach.UN Resident Coordinator for Bhutan and Coordinator for Prevention of SexualExploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Ms. Karla Robin Hershey, highlighted the importance ofthe partnership, stating:“This LoU represents a robust framework for establishing a referral pathway for allegationsagainst UN personnel and partners. Together with the PEMA Secretariat, we reaffirm ourdedication to accountability, transparency, and delivering comprehensive support to survivors of PSEA.” The PEMA Secretariat will serve as the primary point of contact for receiving SEA complaints through its helpline 1098 and other established channels. Complaints will be promptly communicated to the UN Bhutan Resident Coordinator and PSEA Coordinator to facilitate timely action. Survivors will be connected to essential services, ensuring their consent is at the forefront of all interventions. Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Head of the PEMA Secretariat, stated: “The PEMA secretariate is proud to partner with the United Nations in improving our sharedcommitment to proactively address allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation in workplace.The referral pathway will ensure that survivor receive timely support and care they deserve.”As part of the agreement, the PEMA Secretariat will serve as a community-based complaint mechanism for addressing complaints against UN personnel and partners, enhancing the efficiency and consistency of SEA responses across Bhutan. The United Nations in Bhutan will provide specialised training for the PEMA Secretariat’s complaint intake teams. The training will emphasise victim-survivor-centred methodologies and human rights-based approaches to SEA case management. The LoU paves the way for the development of shared training packages, regular consultations, and ongoing improvements to referral pathways. The partnership will strengthen Bhutan’s efforts to prevent and address SEA while reinforcing its commitment to human rights.

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