In a significant stride towards fostering sustainable development in Bhutan’s remote regions, the esteemed Korean Dharma master and Buddhist activist, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, returned to the Himalayan kingdom in early September. His mission: to enhance the quality of life for Bhutanese villagers through comprehensive community surveys and innovative social development initiatives.
Over the past months, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim has been deeply involved in a variety of projects aimed at empowering underprivileged communities. These efforts are spearheaded by JTS Korea, a Buddhist humanitarian organization founded by Sunim, in collaboration with Bhutan’s royal family and the Royal Government of Bhutan. JTS Korea operates on the principle of engaged Buddhism, believing that helping others enriches one’s own life. The organization relies on the dedication of unpaid volunteers to carry out relief work in countries grappling with humanitarian challenges, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Notably, JTS Korea holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), underscoring its global impact.
Upon his arrival in central Bhutan after extensive travel, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim led a transformative three-day workshop focused on sustainable development for rural communities in the Zhemgang and Trongsa districts. The seminar brought together 34 central government officials, gewog leaders, and village heads from Korphu Gewog in Trongsa District, and Bardo, Goshing, Phangkhar, and Nangla Gewogs in Zhemgang District. Civic leaders from five gewog villages participated, aiming to design pilot projects that could serve as replicable models for sustainable growth.
During the opening session, Sunim emphasized the critical need for sustainable development, drawing parallels with South Korea’s remarkable economic recovery. “South Korea’s rapid growth was not just due to government policies but also the strong community spirit,” he explained. He highlighted the importance of education, effective economic strategies, and communal solidarity in overcoming adversity. Sunim encouraged Bhutanese villagers to adopt a similar mindset of self-initiative, advocating for the mantra, “Let’s change our village ourselves.”
Addressing the challenges in Zhemgang, one of Bhutan’s poorest regions, Sunim stressed that government efforts alone are insufficient. “With the mindset of ‘Let’s change our village ourselves,’ residents can collaboratively transform their communities and escape poverty,” he stated. He also voiced concerns about the brain drain, where educated Bhutanese migrate abroad for better opportunities, urging talented individuals to contribute to national development.
In his afternoon presentation on “Sustainable Development in the Age of Climate Crisis,” Sunim underscored the dual necessity of environmental preservation and sustainable growth. He warned of the impending hardships posed by climate change and proposed Bhutan as a model for a sustainable, happy life with minimal environmental impact. “We must develop within the Earth’s limits to ensure our descendants can thrive,” he asserted.
Sunim outlined seven key areas for sustainable development: improving living conditions, enhancing productivity through better irrigation and infrastructure, upgrading educational facilities, expanding healthcare access, strengthening community infrastructure, preserving traditional culture, and protecting the natural environment. These focus areas aim to create a balanced approach that addresses both human and ecological needs.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic discussions, presenting their experiences and challenges with existing pilot projects such as repairing irrigation canals, roads, and housing improvements. These grassroots initiatives fostered a sense of community cooperation, shifting the mindset from dependency on external construction workers to collective self-reliance.
On the second day, the seminar delved deeper into sustainable development strategies. Sunim articulated that JTS’s efforts in Bhutan encompass both immediate relief activities and long-term sustainable practices to prevent environmental degradation. He emphasized that true sustainability arises from empowering communities to be self-sufficient rather than reliant on continuous external aid.
The final day focused on practical implementation. Sunim encouraged participants to prioritize projects based on community willingness and feasibility. Plans were drafted for both short-term (to be completed by May 2025) and medium-term (three-year) initiatives, with the potential to expand successful projects across Zhemgang District. “The central government is keenly interested in our pilot projects. Let’s work together to ensure their success,” Sunim urged.
Participants reflected positively on the workshop, noting the unique approach of JTS compared to other organizations. “With JTS, the villagers participate and create together, revitalizing our community spirit,” commented a village leader from Korphu Gewog. Another remarked, “We will transform our mindset from waiting for government action to actively beautifying our villages.”
In his concluding remarks, Sunim reiterated the importance of community participation in sustainable development. “Awakening the community spirit is crucial. When villagers work together joyfully, it becomes a source of energy and resilience,” he affirmed.
Following the seminar, Sunim continued his engagement by lecturing at the Royal Thimphu College and meeting with officials from the Bhutan Tourism Council, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Tarayana Foundation. These discussions aim to secure support for ongoing and future initiatives, including the establishment of regular health clinics in remote areas and plans for his return to oversee project implementation.
Addressing students at the Royal Thimphu College, Sunim advocated for a development model that prioritizes environmental values over mere economic growth. “Instead of following developed countries, let’s forge a new path that preserves our environment and sustains humanity,” he encouraged.
Venerable Pomnyun Sunim’s dedication to sustainable development in Bhutan exemplifies his broader mission to create compassionate, self-reliant communities worldwide. His efforts in Bhutan not only aim to alleviate poverty but also to establish a resilient model of sustainable living that could inspire global practices in the face of the climate crisis.
