DAWA ZANGMO
Thimphu
Bhutan joined the global community in commemorating International Youth Day 2025, dedicating the occasion to highlighting the essential role of young people in driving national progress and sustainable development.
This year’s celebration was observed under the global theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and beyond.”
The event, organized by the World Food Forum Bhutan Chapter in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Bhutan, was marked by strong participation from diverse stakeholders.
More than 60 participants attended, including representatives of over 20 youth groups and networks, young entrepreneurs, innovators, government officials, educators, civil society organizations, development partners, and members of the media.
Together, they reflected on the contributions of youth to national priorities and the global development agenda.
The day long program served as both a celebration and a dialogue platform between young people and decision makers.
Discussions revolved around strengthening cross-sector collaboration, amplifying youth voices, and fostering a more inclusive approach to national policies.
The event provided an opportunity for youth representatives to share their ideas and innovations while also ensuring that government leaders and development partners listened to their perspectives on pressing issues.
A central highlight was the presentation of the Joint Youth Declaration, a collective statement reaffirming Bhutanese youth’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The declaration called for greater youth representation in national decision-making processes, reinforcing the belief that young people must be active contributors to shaping Bhutan’s future.
Organizers emphasized that the declaration not only reflects youth aspirations but also sets a direction for stronger institutional mechanisms to support their engagement.
Another major feature of the celebration was the recognition of Youth Champions, where awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to youth empowerment and intergenerational collaboration.
The recognition highlighted inspiring examples of how young people and their supporters are driving change through innovation, advocacy, and leadership.
Exhibitions and presentations also showcased grassroots initiatives, with youth-led projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community-based solutions.
Among the showcased initiatives were technology driven solutions from the Digital Agriculture Hackathon 2025.
Runners-up team leader Sonam Wangchuk shared the inspiration behind their project, stating, “The idea really came from talking to farmers. We heard their struggles. We thought, why not use simple technology to help with that? Something that gives them quick updates on their soil, weather, and what crops would do best.”
His statement reflected the practical approach of youth innovators, who are combining traditional farming practices with modern technology to support rural communities.
The winning team presented AgroConnect, a digital platform designed to bridge the gap between farmers and markets. Team leader Tashi Yoezer explained the need for such an intervention.
“One of Bhutan’s biggest agricultural challenges is that farmers can’t always get their produce to the right market at the right time. Over 40 percent of fresh fruits and vegetables are lost after harvest because farmers and buyers aren’t connected quickly enough.
AgroConnect changes that by sharing real-time prices, inventory, and delivery options.”
Tashi Yoezer further emphasized that beyond solving logistical problems, the platform also has the potential to make agriculture more attractive to the younger generation.
“Youth are the future of Bhutan’s agriculture, but we have to make farming exciting and rewarding. Digital platforms like AgroConnect turn agriculture into a space for innovation where young people can be farmers, but also tech entrepreneurs, logistics experts, and market analysts,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the growing interest among Bhutanese youth in agri-entrepreneurship and the opportunities to modernize the sector while preserving traditions.
Government officials echoed these sentiments during the event. The Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Younten Phuntsho underlined the crucial role of youth in advancing Bhutan’s national goals.
“Bhutan’s path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals depends heavily on the active involvement of youth across sectors. In agriculture and food systems, youth are key drivers of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship,” he stated.
Development partners also pledged continued support. FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Ken Shimizu, spoke about the importance of empowering young people with opportunities and resources.
“This gathering is not just a celebration. It is a statement a powerful reminder that Bhutan’s future lies in the hands of its youth. Young people are not just tomorrow’s leaders. They are leaders today,” he said.
Ken Shimizu further stressed FAO’s commitment to ensuring that Bhutanese youth are at the forefront of agricultural and food system transformation.
“Bhutan’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the co-creators of today’s agrifood systems. At FAO Bhutan, we are committed to turning their vision into action by equipping them with climate-smart skills, fostering agri-entrepreneurship, and connecting them to global opportunities,” he noted.
FAO Bhutan outlined its ongoing approach to youth engagement through its Strategic Framework 2022–2031 and Country Programming Framework.
The organization is working to build climate-smart agriculture skills among young farmers and entrepreneurs, promote agri-entrepreneurship through mentorship and funding, and expand the adoption of digital tools, mechanization, and value-chain innovations.
Programs such as the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP), the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, Digital Villages, and Green Cities are being leveraged to create new opportunities for youth-led innovation in agriculture and related sectors.
The celebration also placed emphasis on the wider challenges facing Bhutan, such as climate change, food insecurity, and the need for inclusive governance.
Organizers highlighted that youth are already contributing practical solutions to these issues, and with stronger institutional backing, they can play an even greater role in shaping Bhutan’s future.
The event was led by the World Food Forum Bhutan Chapter, part of a global youth-led movement that seeks to transform agrifood systems and promote sustainable development.
Since its inception, the Bhutan Chapter has been working to mobilize young people across both urban and rural areas, including marginalized groups and persons with disabilities.
By combining capacity-building efforts with entrepreneurship support and intergenerational partnerships, the Chapter aims to ensure that youth are not only participants but also co-creators of national transformation.
In partnership with FAO Bhutan, the World Food Forum Bhutan Chapter continues to amplify the voices of young people while linking their initiatives with global opportunities and priorities.
The International Youth Day 2025 celebration reinforced this mission, affirming that Bhutanese youth are central to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable systems for the future.
