The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Regional Director for Asia-Pacific reaffirmed the support to Bhutan’s economic recovery from the pandemic during her 10-day virtual visit to the country, which ended this Wednesday. She also commended Bhutan’s response to COVID-19 and its handling of climate change, which have been exemplary to the world.
During a virtual visit last Friday, the UNDP’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific met with Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering.
She reassured the Prime Minister that the UNDP remains committed to help Bhutan in its journey towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic recovery.
“For us, what is important in this relationship is to make sure that there is no significant setback to human development, which can happen during a time of pandemic of economic shocks or climate shocks. So we very much want to stay a strong partner to the government and the people of Bhutan, both for short term and long term recovery,” said Kanni Wignaraja, the UNDP’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific.
On the climate front, the UNDP underscored its commitment to help Bhutan remain carbon neutral. This means Bhutan will balance emitting and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The virtual visit also saw discussions on the global project for COVID-19 response titled, “Innovation for a smarter, greener and more resilient 21st Century Bhutan.” Funded by the Japanese government, the project will support UN Bhutan’s joint system response framework to assist the national COVID-19 recovery and response.
Choni Dema
