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The meeting brought together local government officials, UN agencies, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organizations, development partners, the Monastic Body, and executive members of the UN Club of Sherubtse College. “There is much positive energy and momentum behind the disability inclusion agenda in Bhutan.  I am honoured to be a part of this journey and invigorated by the possibility of doing whatever I can to support it” – Timothy Wilson, Head of Office, UN RCOAgenda Chikha is a voluntary initiative that brings together entities working on disability inclusion to support the National Policy and Action Plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The motivating premise of Agenda Chikha is that much more will be achieved when everyone works together. It is an open-door initiative – anyone working on disability inclusion is welcome to join. The Steering Committee meeting was a multi-day engagement that combined strategic dialogue, institutional visits, and community interaction.  It created space to reflect on progress, identify persistent gaps, and strengthen coordinated action under Bhutan’s national disability inclusion framework.The meeting opened with reflections on the importance of coordinated and locally grounded approaches to disability inclusion. Discussions emphasized the need to ensure that accessibility and inclusion are integrated from the earliest stages of planning and policy design. Representatives from Trashigang Dzongkhag highlighted ongoing efforts to improve accessibility in public infrastructure and services, including the construction of accessible Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centres and toilets, and the incorporation of inclusive design considerations in new infrastructure projects.Participants noted that retrofitting infrastructure remains both technically and financially challenging, reinforcing the importance of adopting universal design principles from the outset.The discussions also highlighted the need to involve persons with disabilities and OPDs more consistently during planning, consultation, and accessibility audit processes.“Trashigang is committed to being an action-oriented dzongkhag that continues to strengthen disability inclusion through practical and locally grounded solutions” – Dasho Ugyen Dorji, Trashigang Dzongdag The meeting further explored the importance of reliable disability data at the local level, with Trashigang committing to strengthen data collection on persons with disabilities and present findings at the next Steering Committee meeting.Presentations from Muenseling Institute for the Visually Impaired, UNICEF, Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, and partner organizations highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive education and disability-inclusive services in Bhutan.Muenseling Institute for the Visually Impaired shared its journey since its establishment in 1973, highlighting its commitment to providing holistic education for children with visual impairments through both academic and life-skills-based learning. The institute also shared achievements in inclusive education, while outlining challenges including limited accessible learning materials, maintenance of braille equipment, and balancing academic, vocational, and life skills curricula.UNICEF presented its ongoing work on inclusive education and disability-inclusive social protection systems, including:accessible digital textbooks currently being piloted in 19 schools across nine dzongkhags;efforts to strengthen inclusive education standards;support for disability data systems;and work toward a national social protection strategy, including a potential child disability grant pilot. A dedicated session on invisible disabilities explored barriers faced by individuals whose disabilities may not be immediately recognized, and the implications this has for access to education, services, and public understanding.Wangsel Institute for the Deaf also shared updates on Bhutanese Sign Language interpretation services, highlighting progress in interpreter training while noting that information accessibility and limited access to services remain major barriers for many deaf persons in Bhutan.The discussions reinforced the importance of communication accessibility and the need for stronger systems that ensure persons with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of society.The Steering Committee also hosted a proposal pitching session where members shared ideas aimed at strengthening disability inclusion efforts across Bhutan.Proposals included:disability accessibility initiatives, including exploring a Bhutan-adapted “Blue Poppy Initiative” inspired by the Sunflower Project model;stronger disability data collection systems at dzongkhag level;youth-led social service initiatives;awareness campaigns and storytelling through success stories and short videos;and efforts to advance endorsement and implementation of the national Action Plan for Disability Inclusion. The session created opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and identifying practical, community-driven solutions. Beyond the formal discussions, the engagement included visits to Muenseling Institute for the Visually Impaired, Draktsho East, and Sherubtse College.Committee members interacted with students, educators, and institutional leaders, observing inclusive education and vocational training efforts in practice.At Sherubtse College, members of the UN Club engaged in discussions on youth leadership, collaboration, and opportunities for young people to contribute to sustainable and inclusive development efforts in Bhutan. “Being part of the 4th Agenda Chikha Steering Committee Meeting was an honour. It was encouraging to see different stakeholders working together toward disability inclusion, and it reminded me that youth voices also matter in shaping a more accessible and inclusive future” – Jigme Wangmo, President, UN Club Sherubtse CollegeThe Steering Committee concluded with reflections on key lessons, next steps, and future areas for collaboration. Participants reaffirmed the importance of coordinated, inclusive, and locally grounded approaches that place persons with disabilities at the centre of planning and decision-making.“A stitch in time saves nine” – Kinley Wangchuk, Executive Director, DPOBThe engagement reinforced a shared commitment among partners to continue working toward a more inclusive Bhutan, one where no one is left behind.