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What does the United Nations mean to a young person in Bhutan? How does its work connect with the hopes of communities, the priorities of the country and the future we want to build? These were among the questions reflected on as Bhutan joined the global community in marking the 81st anniversary of the United Nations.  Starting with the next generation For the United Nations, the future is inseparable from the aspirations of young people. That spirit was at the heart of an engagement at Sherubtse College, where UN Bhutan Resident Coordinator, Gaurav Ray, met with students during his visit to eastern Bhutan. Through a keynote address during the college’s morning assembly and an interactive session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), students explored Bhutan's development journey, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the role young people can play in shaping the country's future.   The celebrations also reached school communities. At The Royal Academy, students marked UN Day with a quiz and an extempore speech competition, putting their knowledge of the UN, its history and its role in addressing global challenges to the test. The activities encouraged students to think critically, express their ideas and build confidence in public speaking. At ELC High, students took part in a friendly quiz between two school houses, exploring the UN's history, mission and work in promoting peace, human rights, international cooperation and sustainable development. In keeping with the school's tradition, the celebration also included the lighting of a butter lamp and prayers for peace, harmony and the well-being of all.  A moment of reflection and shared hopes for peace In Bhutan, UN Day was also marked through a special butter lamp ceremony at Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang in Pangrizampa, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Hon'ble Minister of Finance attending as the Chief Guest.  Monks from the Central Monastic Body conducted wish-fulfilling prayers for the protection and well-being of all sentient beings, and for the removal of inner, outer and sacred obstacles. The lighting of 1,000 butter lamps offered a moment of reflection and a collective expression of hope for peace, compassion and harmony. The ceremony brought together spiritual reflection and the shared values that underpin the United Nations, peaceful coexistence, solidarity and care for one another. Celebrating the people behind the work At UN House, the day began with the unfurling of the United Nations flag, followed by the reading of the UN Secretary-General's UN Day message by Resident Coordinator Gaurav Ray. A special oath-taking ceremony also welcomed new colleagues to the UN Bhutan family. The morning concluded with a gathering of staff for a group photograph, while the afternoon brought colleagues together again for cake, music, karaoke and informal fellowship.  Beyond the formalities, it was a chance to recognise the people behind the work, colleagues from different backgrounds and UN entities, united by a shared commitment to supporting Bhutan and its people. Taking the conversation beyond UN House The celebrations also provided an opportunity to bring the UN's work and its relevance to a wider audience. In a special UN Day interview with Kuzoo FM, Resident Coordinator Gaurav Ray reflected on 81 years of the United Nations, Bhutan's development journey, the aspirations of young people and the opportunities and challenges ahead. The conversation explored how the UN and Bhutan can continue working together towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. It was an invitation to look beyond the history of the organisation and consider what the United Nations means today, particularly for the people and communities whose lives its work seeks to improve.  81 years on, the work continues Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations has brought countries together to address challenges that no country can tackle alone. In Bhutan, that work is rooted in partnership, supporting national priorities, working with institutions and communities, and striving to ensure that no one is left behind. The different moments marking UN Day 2026, from a university classroom and school halls to a monastery and the UN House courtyard, reflected one simple idea: the United Nations is ultimately about people.