As the world recuperated from the revelry of the Gregorian New Year, Bhutan welcomed Nyilo, signaling the commencement of 2024 with a festive spirit. The echoes of the historic 116th National Day celebrations in Thimphu still lingered, having concluded the bygone year on a celebratory note. The Royal Address and the unveiling of the Gelephu Special Administrative Zone infused excitement and anticipation into the atmosphere, setting the stage for a promising year ahead.
Amidst personal resolutions and political promises, the dawn of the new year brought with it the familiar ritual of making and sometimes breaking commitments. Yet, 2024 arrives with a sense of opportunity and optimism, inviting the Bhutanese populace to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
Reflecting on the year that was, 2023 emerged as a transformative period for Bhutan, shaking off the shadows of the persistent Covid-19 pandemic. With plans in motion and visions crystal clear, it laid the groundwork for what many anticipate to be an extraordinary year. As the nation awaits the unveiling of the 13th Plan and the formation of a new elected government, the collective gaze is fixed on 2024 as a year of promise.
Confidence in the nation’s trajectory is rooted in the unwavering commitment to national priorities, guided by visionary leaders. The blessings of a conducive environment and a shared determination to reach greater heights fuel the optimism that permeates Bhutanese society.
In a sobering global context, the UN Secretary General, in a New Year’s Eve message, characterized 2023 as a year marked by suffering, violence, and climate chaos. While fireworks illuminated the skies in some nations, others were shrouded in the deafening sounds of conflict. The conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, coupled with the looming climate crisis threatening the Amazon and causing havoc in Australia, cast shadows over hopes for peace, development, and security.
Bhutan, though small on the global stage, cannot afford to be indifferent to the world’s challenges. The Secretary General’s call for 2024 to be a year dedicated to rebuilding trust and restoring hope resonates profoundly, aligning with Bhutan’s unique perspective. For Bhutan, security is found in the stability of politics, the vibrancy of the economy, and the well-being of the spiritual realm.
While the upcoming polls on January 9 may witness divisions along party lines, the prevailing sentiment is a shared commitment to the well-being of Bhutan. With the nation poised on the brink of a new era, marked by heightened hope and expectations, the resolution for 2024 is clear – a year of accomplishment.
The path to realizing aspirations becomes smoother when the government, civil society, the private sector, and the people of Bhutan collaborate. It’s not merely the proclamation of resolutions that holds significance; rather, the essence lies in the collective efforts to fulfill and achieve them. As Bhutan steps into 2024, a united front stands poised to transform resolutions into accomplishments, steering the nation towards a future filled with promise and prosperity.
