Bhutan Marks International Youth Day 2025 with a Focus on Local Youth Leadership for the SDGs.

The message was clear. Young people are not just leaders in waiting, but changemakers shaping the country’s present and future. 

Under the global theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the day brought together students, youth leaders, representatives from the Royal Government and UN agencies to celebrate how young Bhutanese are driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level. 

True to its theme, the programme was co-designed and led by youth, who moderated panels, presented innovations, and steered discussions on issues that matter most to their communities.  

Opening the event, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh reminded participants that achieving the SDGs requires more than policy, it needs action led by young people in their own communities.  She called for greater investment in youth-led solutions, inclusive spaces, and opportunities for young people to shape local planning, climate resilience, and a sustainable economy.  She stated:  

“You are not just the leaders of tomorrow. You are the changemakers of today.” 

One highlight was a presentation by Ugyen Dendup, Co-founder and CEO of NoMind, the country’s first AI startup.   From building a COVID-19 social distancing robot to developing  AI solutions for major Bhutanese clients, Ugyen’s journey illustrates how mastery of technology by youth can advance local development, create jobs, and help achieve the SDGs.  

Two youth-led panels explored pressing priorities.  

The first, titled We Are Not Just the Future; We Are the Now, moderated by Pema Wangchuk of the UN Bhutan Adolescent and Youth Advisory Board, spotlighted grassroot szinitiatives for SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Speakers shared projects ranging from agricultural empowerment and climate justice to mobilizing students nationwide through the G17 University Ambassadors Consortium. 

The second panel, Voices We Don’t Hear Enough, moderated by youth activist Rinchen Choden, focused on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Panelists discussed disability inclusion, LGBTQI+ rights, accessibility, and the importance of safe spaces for mental health and identity expression. 

Denzin Wangyal Rinchen, a youth advocate, highlighted the central role of youth in designing and leading the event, and reaffirmed the collective commitment to empowering young people as drivers of sustainable change and local development. 

Closing the day, UNICEF Representative Rushnan Murtaza, praised the courage and curiosity of Bhutan’s youth.  She stated: 

“Continue with the great work. Question the adults. Challenge us. The SDGs are as important to you as they are to us, and we look forward to working together to create more platforms for youth voices to be heard.” 

The event was organized by the UN in Bhutan, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the Royal Thimphu College.