Jigme Wangchuk

A webinar titled “Citizen Participation and Engagement in Bhutan”, organised by the Bhutan Media Foundation, German-Bhutan Himalaya Society, and Friedrich Naumann Foundation, explored the evolving role of Bhutanese citizens in strengthening democracy.

The event highlighted the progress made since Bhutan’s transition to democracy in 2008 and shed light on the challenges that remain.

The discussion showcased initiatives promoting civic engagement and sparked dialogue on strategies to enhance citizen participation. Speakers shared insights into fostering an inclusive democracy where individuals from all walks of life play an active role.

Reinhard Wolf, president of the German-Bhutan Himalaya Society, reflected on Bhutan’s history of voluntary groups, many of which remain unregistered. He noted, “The history of Civil Society Organizations  in Bhutan is quite young.” He also highlighted a recent announcement by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development regarding a revised curriculum aimed at promoting holistic well-being.

“The minister highlighted that these reforms reflect the Royal vision for an education system that nurtures both academic excellence and holistic well-being. And further, this change will focus on integrating emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and compassion among students, supporting the goals of promoting gross national happiness and addressing students’ mental health,” said Wolf.

The revised curriculum also emphasises environmental conservation, Bhutanese cultural heritage, and civic education, fostering a deeper sense of national identity and community engagement.

Moritz Körner, a Member of the European Parliament, praised Bhutan’s unique blend of democratic principles and traditional values, particularly its emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH). “This focus on holistic development is something we in Europe admire and share in our own approach. A healthy democracy lies on strong citizen engagement,” he remarked, commending Bhutan’s efforts to prioritize well-being in governance.

Sangay Khandu, a former MP and expert on parliamentary practices, moderated the event. He pointed out Bhutan’s success in nurturing volunteerism, with nearly 49,000 desuups actively involved in development projects and community work.

Tshering Tshomo, MP, emphasised that citizen engagement has been central to Bhutan’s governance since the Third King’s reign. “Our thriving democracy relies on a two-way relationship,” she said, underscoring the need for institutions to translate citizens’ voices into actionable outcomes.

The media’s role in fostering civic participation was also discussed. Kuensel’s managing editor, Kinley Tshering, emphasised the fundamental role of mainstream media in empowering people through information and providing that vital platform for democratic discourse and civic engagement.

“Of course, there’s a lot that needs to be done in terms of media literacy… but this space provides a vital platform for public engagement,” he observed.

Chencho Lhamu (PhD), Dean of Development and External Relations at Royal Thimphu College, highlighted the importance of empowering marginalised groups to participate in policymaking. She added, “Equally important is preparing those in positions of authority and power to be open to diverse perspectives.”

The webinar provided a platform to celebrate Bhutan’s democratic achievements while critically examining areas for improvement. It was a call to action for citizens, institutions, and policymakers to embrace greater inclusivity and deepen democratic values.

Panellists agreed that Bhutan’s journey as a young democracy is a shared responsibility, and the strength of its democratic spirit lies in the active engagement of the people.