Youth-led organisations across Bhutan are stepping up to tackle social, developmental and environmental issues, but many say their efforts are being held back by limited resources and weak coordination. These concerns took centre stage yesterday when more than 40 young people from seven organisations and clubs gathered in Thimphu for the National Youth Collaboration Forum.
The forum was organised to strengthen cooperation among youth groups and to push for greater inclusion of young voices in national decision-making. Participants shared common challenges, with lack of funding and minimal representation in policy processes emerging as the most pressing issues.
Many youth leaders pointed out that sustaining programmes remains difficult, especially for smaller organisations that struggle with basic costs such as transportation and activity management. Tshering Dekhar, a coordinator with Service with Care and Compassion Initiative Plus, said fundraising and partnerships have become essential for survival. “Right now, our focus is on fundraising and collaborating with other organisations for sustainability,” she said, adding that financial constraints continue to be their biggest obstacle.
Limited opportunities for youth participation in policymaking were also widely discussed. Jangchuck Dorji, President of the Paro Youth Centre, noted that while youth involvement does exist, it is often restricted. “We are always told that we are the future of Bhutan,” he said. “If that is the case, then we need a stronger voice. The platform is there, but only in limited numbers.”
Organisers described the forum as both a networking platform and a call for greater trust in youth organisations. Beyond sharing ongoing and upcoming initiatives, the gathering aimed to explore partnerships and encourage collective action among youth groups.
Khenrab Norbu Tobgden, President of the Bhutan Youth Summit, urged authorities to include youth organisations more actively in consultations and important meetings. He emphasised that supporting youth groups is an investment in the country’s future. “You are not just giving us money,” he said. “You are fuelling and empowering the next generation of change-makers and leaders of Bhutan.”
For smaller clubs, collaboration was highlighted as a practical way forward. Tenzin Gyeltshen from Service with Care and Compassion Initiative Plus said partnerships could help overcome financial limitations. “Through platforms like the Bhutan Youth Summit, different clubs can come together and collaborate on fundraising,” he said.
The forum concluded with a collective call for stronger coordination, increased support and more meaningful inclusion of young people in national processes, as participants stressed that an empowered youth sector is vital to shaping Bhutan’s future.
