Agenda Chikha will leave no one behind. In a move towards advancing disability inclusion in Bhutan from 2024 to 2027, the Agenda Chikha was launched during the Bhutan SDG Partnership Week. It is a joint initiative to empower the lives of persons with disabilities, improve infrastructure and change mindset. Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck graced the launch in the capital today.
Tandin Wangchuk works as an assistant programme officer at the Election Commission.
Despite being visually impaired, he has been working there for a year.
He said persons with disabilities currently face challenges related to infrastructure and policies.
He said that through Agenda Chikha, he envisions a future where accessibility and inclusivity are not just afterthoughts.
“It will require all the government agencies or private sectors to consider the needs of the persons with disabilities so that once the policies are framed or once the infrastructure is in place, they make sure that these policies and infrastructure will truly benefit the persons with disabilities.”
According to the UN Resident Coordinator, Agenda Chikha will focus on four pillars to have a wholesome approach.
Karla Robin Hershey, UN Resident Coordinator said “We want to create an environment where everybody is welcomed, everybody can function. Nobody has a disability if we are able to deliver the environment that they need to be part of the group. It will be done through four pillars of Agenda Chikha. One is empowering the lives of people who have disabilities, it is building institutional capacity, and it is also challenging stereotypes and strengthening data on persons with disabilities”
The United Nations in Bhutan will be working with the government and the Disabled People’s Organization to implement the Agenda Chikha.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Tshering Zam
