On July 31, an event titled “Youth and Climate Change in Bhutan and NDC 3.0-Presentation of Youth Consultation Report: Their Perspectives and Recommendations was held in Thimphu. The event was led by six young changemakers, who were part of the consultation process, serving as emcees, presenters and speakers demonstrating their leadership and commitment to climate action.
Dasho Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), who also serves as the Chairperson of the National Environment Commission graced the event as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Members of Parliament, the Director of the Department of Education Programmes, UNICEF Representative, civil society partners and over 25 youth participants from across the country.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Youth Consultation Report, which summarised major issues, observations and recommendations collected during consultations held in six regions though the Youth Centers: Wangduephodrang, Sarpang, Thimphu, Mongar, Paro and Phuentsholing. This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion featuring a Member of Parliament, a youth representative, an environmentalist and a curriculum specialist. The discussion focused on aligning youth aspirations with national climate goals and identifying practical areas for youth-led action.
As a key outcome, the MoENR committed to integrating youth recommendations into the NDC 3.0 drafting process. Stakeholders also recognised the need to establish formal platforms to engage youth in climate policy and planning. The report will serve as both an advocacy and policy tool for government agencies and youth networks as they work to strengthen Bhutan’s climate action agenda.
The event served as a platform to amplify youth voices, share insights from a series of nationwide consultations and ensure that their perspectives are reflected in Bhutan’s third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement as well as in other national climate-related policies and planning documents. It aimed to present the findings of youth consultations on climate change conducted across the country in recent months, foster intergenerational dialogue between youth, policymakers and development partners, and strengthen youth engagement in shaping Bhutan’s climate policies.
The Programme and Youth Coordination Division of the Department of Education Programmes, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, MoENR and UNICEF Bhutan organised the event.
