In a significant development for the country’s agrifood sector, Bhutan has proudly become the 14th World Food Forum Chapter worldwide. The newly established Bhutan Chapter is an independent, youth-led initiative aimed at transforming agrifood systems—encompassing everything from food production and processing to distribution and retail.
Ngawang Gyeltshen, the leader of the World Food Forum Bhutan Chapter, emphasized the platform’s role in addressing global food security challenges. “This is the first national initiative where young people can come together to tackle one of the world’s most pressing issues: food security,” he stated. Gyeltshen highlighted the chapter’s focus on leveraging digital tools to unite young minds and shift consumer mindsets towards sustainable food practices.
The Bhutan Chapter is poised to play a crucial role in bringing innovative solutions to the forefront of the agrifood sector, with a strong belief in the power of collective action. Gyeltshen noted that overcoming agrifood challenges will require a concerted effort from both the youth and the government.
Adding to the excitement, the recent National Youth Symposium introduced the SDGs Action Card Game, a collaborative creation of Japan’s Kanazawa Institute of Technology, the Food and Agriculture Organisation Bhutan, and the World Food Forum Bhutan Chapter. This interactive game aims to foster innovative thinking and problem-solving skills among Bhutanese youth.
Shimada Satsuki, a student from Kanazawa Institute of Technology, shared insights about the card game’s potential. “By playing this game, participants can develop creative solutions and tackle trade-off challenges, thereby finding new opportunities for innovation in Bhutan’s agrifood system,” Satsuki explained. The game, tailored to Bhutan’s specific context, is designed to help young people address agrifood issues and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The symposium, which attracted over 200 participants including youth, farmers, and innovators from 17 districts, showcased the strong commitment of Bhutanese youth to transforming the agrifood landscape. This collaborative spirit and innovative approach signal a promising future for food security and sustainability in Bhutan.
