Youth-led organisations in Bhutan play a key role in addressing social, developmental, and environmental challenges. However, their efforts are constraint by poor coordination and limited resources. To address these gaps, more than 40 youths from seven organisations and clubs gathered in the capital yesterday for the National Youth Collaboration Forum. The forum intends to strengthen collaboration and amplify youth voices in decision-making.
Participants identified lack of funding and limited youth representation in policy-making as key challenges. They stressed the need for more opportunities for young people to take part in decision-making processes.
Tshering Dekhar, coordinator of Service with Care and Compassion Initiative Plus said, “I think all of the youth-led groups are facing these challenges, which is funding, especially regarding transportation and programme management and all. So right now, our focus is on fundraising and collaborating with other organisations for the sustainability of our club. But still, it remains our biggest challenge.”
Jangchuck Dorji, the President of Paro Youth Centre said, “Firstly, regarding youth participation in policymaking, I will not say that it is not there. It is there, but it is rather limited in our current circumstances. We are the future of Bhutan. We’ve always been told that. If we are the future, then maybe we need a voice. So if we had a voice, which we do, but we need a platform, which is provided yet in limited numbers.”
Organisers say the forum is also a call for greater trust and support for youth organisations. It also serves as a platform to share ongoing and upcoming initiatives, explore partnerships, and promote collective action.
Khenrab Norbu Tobgden, the President of Bhutan Youth Summit said, “We want the government to initiate or implement is that please involve youth organisation bodies during important meetings and consultations. And another one is, yes we are young, we are youth, but then we can be trusted even if we don’t seem reliable. You are not just giving us money; you are fuelling the next generation of youth and then you are empowering the next generation of youth who will be the future change makers and leaders of Bhutan.”
Tenzin Gyeltshen from Service with Care and Compassion Initiative Plus said, “As a small club, we need funds for different kinds of activities to help our community. For our club, we need different types of partnerships and collaboration. So, through Bhutan Youth Summit, different kinds of clubs can collaborate together in fundraising.”
The forum concluded calling for stronger collaboration and support to help shape a more active and empowered role of youth in Bhutan’s future.
Namgay Wangdi
