Bhutan SDG Partnership Week Opens at Sherubtse College

The second Bhutan SDG Partnership Week opened with a powerful message of unity for gender equality and the empowerment of women. The week-long celebration, jointly organized by Sherubtse College and the United Nations in Bhutan, will celebrate Bhutan's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Grand Opening was graced by the President of Sherubtse College and the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. 

First launched in 2024 by Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck- President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, the Bhutan SDG Partnership Week, is now in its second year, it continues to foster collaboration and celebrates partnerships driving progress for people and planet.  

The Grand Opening was a reminder that the Bhutan SDG partnership Week is more than an event, it is a reminder that everyone must work together to build a better future where no one is left behind.

For Sherubtse College, the week marked a historic moment as Bhutan continues to lead by example in building a sustainable and inclusive society. Mr. Tshering Wangdi, President of Sherubtse College stated:  

“The Bhutan SDG Partnership Week is more than a series of events—it is a collective call for action and a reminder that real change begins locally, in our classrooms, our towns, and our communities.”

Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., reflected on how Bhutan’s development ethos continues to inspire the world. She emphasized the central role of partnerships in achieving the SDGs, stating that:

 “Partnerships are the heartbeat of the SDGs. They allow us to connect national leadership with local action, and global ambition with lived realities.” 

Dr. Aulakh highlighted that the Bhutan SDG Partnership Week is more than just a gathering of stakeholders, it is a living example of Bhutan’s spirit of collaboration, where communities, institutions, and generations come together to shape a shared future. As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, she highlighted the importance of collective action to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, aligning Bhutan’s national values with global priorities.

This year's Bhutan SDG Partnership Week embraced the theme of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, reflecting Bhutan's deep-rooted belief in equality as a cornerstone of Gross national happiness. The day's programme highlighted how women's voices, leadership, and contributions continue to shape Bhutan's progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. A captivating cultural performance, “Mo-Wong: She Who Came Forward”, by the Sherubtse Cultural Club, paid tribute to the courage of women who challenge harmful gender stereotypes and inspire transformation within their families, communities, and the nation. It set the tone for reflection on Bhutan's evolving gender landscape, one where women have historically played central roles in managing households, land, and community life, yet continue to navigate new challenges in a modernizing economy.

In her speech titled “A 21st Century Woman,” Ms. Kinley Paldon, Vice Coordinator of the Sherubtse GNH Club, captured the spirit of the theme.  She spoke passionately about the changing roles and aspirations of women in contemporary Bhutan and the shared responsibility of both women and men in building a just and equal society. Her words reinforced that empowering women is not only about equality, but also about unlocking Bhutan's full potential for development and progress.

 “Today, the 21st-century woman writes her own story, boldly, unapologetically, and on her own terms…Empowerment is not about women rising above men, but about humanity rising together.”

The morning also featured the launch of the Sherubtse Gender Allies Initiative, under the Sherubtse UN Club, which is a student-led movement to promote equality, respect, and empathy on campus.  

The initiative was symbolically launched through the unfurling of “The Weaving Loom”, a wooden artwork created by Bhutanese artist Mr. Pema Tshering, a person with cerebral palsy. Using only his feet, Pema carved the loom to represent unity and balance. The Weaving Loom serves as a reminder that, like the warp and weft of a loom, men and women together form the strong fabric of a just society. 

Ms. Jigme Wangmo, Coordinator of the Sherubtse UN Club stated: 

“You’ve reminded us that young people have the power to make real change, today, not just in the future…Every little action we take can make a big difference.”

The grand opening closed with the vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Sonam Tobgay, President of the FINA club at Sherubtse college. He stated: 

“This week reminded us that youth are not just participants but active partners in building a sustainable and equitable future for all.”

The celebrations continued with the SDG Champions Parade, an Olympic-style march featuring students representing each of the 17 Goals. Marching under brightly coloured banners, the parade reflected the energy, creativity, and leadership of Bhutan's youth. Each group carried banners, props, and costumes representing their respective goals, while the crowd cheered in support. The parade symbolized not only awareness but also action, a reminder that progress happens when everyone contributes. 

The parade was complimented by the unfurling the Bhutan SDG Partnership Week flag, featuring a logo inspired by the global SDG wheel, with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) at its centre. The flag symbolizes unity, diversity, and Bhutan’s collective commitment to sustainable development.

The flag-off also marked the beginning of the SDG Ball Games, a fun and inclusive sporting event aimed at promoting teamwork and healthy living.

The Bhutan SDG Partnership Week promises a vibrant line-up of activities, from youth dialogues and panel discussions to art drive, community clean-ups, and a grand SDG Concert. Each event reflects a shared vision, that sustainable development begins with people, their ideas, actions, and unity in purpose.

As the opening day concluded, the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose was evident across the Sherubtse campus. The Bhutan SDG Partnership Week 2025 underscores how progress toward the Goals is strongest when built on inclusion, dialogue, and collective effort.