Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck launched Bhutan for Global Peace today under the theme “Peace through Women Empowerment”. The initiative is to promote women’s empowerment and recognise their role in building peaceful families and communities. It is to commemorate the birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
Her Majesty launched the initiative in collaboration with RENEW and the Universal Peace Foundation.
The initiative aims to strengthen women’s dignity, well-being and leadership in peacebuilding. It also recognises the challenges women face, including violence, trauma and displacement, and the need to create safer and more supportive communities.
In her keynote address, Her Majesty said, “Development has little meaning unless it improves the lives of people, as society cannot truly flourish when its people live in fear or face discrimination. Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. The significance of this day is further enriched by the celebration of Children’s Day in Bhutan. It is a reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a world where peace is not merely a hope for the future, but a reality they experience every day. A first understanding of peace begins at home.”
Following the keynote address, participants observed one minute of silence.
The Global Peace Movement was first launched by the Universal Peace Foundation in Malaysia in 2011. It encourages people to practise one minute of silence daily and affirm their commitment to peace in their families, communities, countries and the world.
The initiative marks the beginning of the partnership, with a shared focus on promoting peace through individual well-being and women’s empowerment.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
