Bhutan SDG Partnership Week Day 2- Youth Lead the Conversation on the SDGs at Sherubtse College

Under the theme “Turning Ideas into Action: Youth Driving the SDGs,” students, educators, and community members came together to explore how Bhutan’s youth are transforming awareness into tangible progress for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The day began with three dynamic panel discussions, each highlighting a different dimension of youth leadership.

The first session, “We Are Not Just the Future; We Are the Now,” celebrated young changemakers who are leading local movements—from zero-waste initiatives and digital innovation to girls’ education and climate advocacy. The discussions reflected a growing sense of ownership among young Bhutanese who see themselves not as future leaders, but as active contributors shaping their communities today. Ms. Resham Subba, one of the panellists, stated: 

“Our panel discussion on “We are not just the future, we are the now” reminded us that youth are active changemakers, not passive inheritors. We explored how gender equality, climate change, and the SDG goals are all connected, and how our voices and actions today can shape a more just and sustainable world. Despite challenges, the discussion highlighted our collective power and responsibility to create positive change, starting now.”

The second panel, “Voices We Don’t Hear Enough,” created a safe and inclusive space for open dialogue on mental health, disability inclusion, and social justice. Students shared deeply personal stories about resilience, identity, and belonging, reminding participants that inclusion begins with listening and empathy. Ms. Kezang Choden Namgyel, one of the panellists, stated: 

“The session allowed me to express my viewpoints on gender equality in a safe and respectful space, where I was truly listened to without the fear of being judged or targeted. Listening to my peers speak openly about the stereotypes and double standards they face was both eye-opening and empowering. It reminded me that many of us share similar struggles, even if our experiences differ. The discussion reinforced how important it is to create more such spaces where young people, especially women and marginalized voices, can speak freely, be heard, and be supported without hesitation.”

The final discussion, “Think Global, Act Local,” showcased innovative student-led projects linking entrepreneurship with sustainability. From social enterprises to campus-driven green initiatives, participants shared how creativity and collaboration can drive economic growth that leaves no one behind. Mr. Jigdrel Kinley Namgyel, one of the panellists, stated:

“The panel discussion made me realize how such discussion can enable one youth to encourage another. The vastness of perspectives from one person to another lets us rethink and learn much deeper than how we usually see. I would say overall the panel discussion opened my eyes wider into what a youth can do in innovation and SDG” 

In the afternoon, the focus shifted from conversation to community action with Hing Sang Sang Together — a campus-wide cleaning campaign that united students, faculty, and Kanglung residents. The initiative, first launched in Thimphu, translates to “United for a Clean Bhutan” . The activity reflected Bhutan’s long-standing values of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility, reminding participants that meaningful change begins close to home.

As the day closed, Sherubtse College once again became a space of both dialogue and action, where ideas took shape through collaboration, and young voices reaffirmed their vital role in building a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable Bhutan.