Bhutan Joins Global Climate Call to Supercharge Clean Energy Transition

Bhutan stood in solidarity with countries around the world to mark the United Nations' “Moment of Opportunity” a global call to supercharge the transition to clean energy. The event, held at the Thimphu, brought together government officials, youth leaders, development partners, civil society, and storytellers to reflect on Bhutan’s climate leadership and explore pathways to a just and inclusive energy future.

Opening the event, Mr. Mohammad Younus, UNDP Resident Representative, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to Bhutan’s sustainable development, highlighting Bhutan’s submission of its first National Adaptation Plan and the inclusive design of its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). 

For the first time, Bhutan’s new NDC will include the social sector. This is a remarkable step forward as it recognizes that the impacts of climate change are not gender-neutral and that a just transition must address the needs and voices of everyone including women and men, children, youth, and persons with disabilities. Thereby, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

The Secretary of Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Dasho Karma Tshering, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, underscored Bhutan’s potential in renewable energy and its continued leadership in balancing development with environmental stewardship.

The NDC 3.0 is well-aligned with Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan and the 21st Century Economic Roadmap. This coherence is not just strategic but is essential for delivering tangible, society-wide benefits that balance climate action with economic aspirations. By doing so, Bhutan can continue to demonstrate how environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with inclusive development.

Every fraction of a degree of warming matters. 2024 has been the warmest year in recorded history, crossing the symbolic 1.5°C mark for the first time. While this does not mean the world has lost the Paris Agreement goal, it is a powerful reminder that every member state must accelerate its actions in this critical decade.

The UN Secretary-General’s address, “A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the New Energy Era” was timely. The Secretary-General’s message laid out the economic case for a just energy transition, one that creates jobs, attracts investment, protects nature, and powers a liveable future. 

The highlight of the event was a dynamic panel discussion which explored how Bhutan can localize the UN Secretary-General’s global call for a just and inclusive energy transition. Guided by the priorities of COP30 and Bhutan’s own evolving climate commitments, the discussion featured diverse perspectives, from government, youth, civil society, development partners, and storytellers. Key themes included the importance of community narratives in humanizing the energy transition, the role of youth as critical drivers of climate innovation and accountability, the interlinkages between clean energy, food security, and social protection, and the need for inclusive policymaking to accelerate progress on Bhutan’s NDC 3.0. The session emphasized that climate solutions must be rooted in local realities, champion equity and intergenerational justice, and be supported through strong collaboration across sectors.

The event concluded with the launch of “Moment of Opportunity: Bhutan’s Digital Call to Climate Action”, a nationwide social media campaign that amplified the UN Secretary-General’s global climate message through locally grounded and compelling storytelling. Set in Punakha valley, the campaign featured four prominent Bhutanese influencers who produced engaging video content spotlighting Bhutan’s climate leadership, particularly its commitment to updating its NDCs. Through a Peer-to-Peer Climate Messaging challenge, influencers mobilized followers to watch the Secretary-General’s speech, share their own climate actions, and tag others to do the same-sparking a viral movement across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The campaign tapped into youth energy, and the power of digital networks, reaching over 150,000 users and building momentum for climate justice and a just energy transition ahead of COP30.

Bhutan’s vision and leadership continue to inspire well beyond its borders. The establishment of the G-Zero Forum, in partnership with Suriname, Madagascar, and Panama, is a powerful example of what small states can achieve when united by a shared commitment to a net-zero, nature-positive future. As Bhutan prepares for COP30 and beyond, this moment calls on all to renew the climate commitment- to champion bold, just, and inclusive climate action.