Beate Trankmann, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme, has concluded a five-day official visit to Bhutan that centred on the country’s development priorities, justice sector reform, renewable energy and water security.
The visit, her first country mission since assuming the regional role, included high-level meetings with Bhutanese government leaders and field visits to UNDP-supported projects. Trankmann called on Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, where the two sides discussed areas of mutual interest and reaffirmed the longstanding Bhutan-UNDP partnership and shared commitment to advancing the country’s development agenda.
She also held talks with Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel and Finance Secretary Leki Wangmo. Discussions covered ongoing collaborations and UNDP’s continued role as a development partner. Trankmann further engaged with the UN Resident Coordinator and representatives of other UN agencies in Bhutan, as well as local officials during site visits.
A key highlight was a high-level dialogue on the “Future of Justice in Bhutan.” The event, convened with the Bhutan Law network, brought together Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, heads of 11 justice sector agencies, representatives from the embassies of Bangladesh, India and Norway, and UN agency officials. The dialogue examined pathways for strengthening the justice system in line with Bhutan’s broader governance and development goals.
Trankmann travelled to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang districts to observe projects supported by UNDP in partnership with Japan and the Global Environment Facility. These included a 180-kilowatt grid-connected solar power plant in Rubesa and the Lobesa water treatment plant. Officials indicated that the Lobesa facility, once fully operational, is expected to supply safe drinking water to more than 10,000 people. In Punakha, she met Governor Dasho Thuji Tshering and discussed the district’s water treatment scheme, regenerative tourism initiatives and efforts to empower local youth.
Throughout the visit, Trankmann reaffirmed UNDP’s support for Bhutan’s national priorities. These include the 21st-century economic roadmap, the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, climate action, biodiversity conservation and good governance. Conversations also touched on innovation, development financing and the potential for new partnerships to accelerate progress.
UNDP described its long-standing collaboration with Bhutan as focused on accelerating sustainable development, strengthening environmental protection and helping the country meet its development goals. The visit is expected to deepen cooperation in green development, energy security, water resilience and initiatives that improve public welfare.
The five-day programme underscored Bhutan’s emphasis on integrating environmental sustainability with institutional reform and inclusive growth, areas in which the UNDP continues to play a supporting role.
