UN Bhutan

21/08/2026

20/08/2026

Mr Gaurav Ray, United Nations Resident Coordinator, shared reflections during Bridges of Wisdom: Elder Stories to Inspire Young Voices on 12 August 2026, in celebration of International Youth Day, organised by the Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan in collaboration with UN Bhutan.

In his remarks, Mr Ray highlighted the importance of recognising young people as equal partners in shaping the decisions and solutions that affect their lives and communities, echoing the UN Secretary-General’s message on the shared aspirations of young people for dignity, participation and opportunity.

19/08/2026

In 2025, more than 1,100 aid workers were killed, wounded, kidnapped, detained or arrested while carrying out their work.

Behind every number is a person who chose to help. A family waiting for them to come home. A community that depended on them.

Humanitarian workers are not targets.

The rules protecting them are clear. They must be respected, and those responsible for attacks must be held to account.

On World Humanitarian Day, we remember those who lost their lives and stand with those who continue to serve.
United Nations OCHA

19/08/2026

In this World Humanitarian Day message, UN Resident Coordinator in Bhutan, Gaurav Ray reflects on what it means to protect human life and dignity, build resilience before crisis strikes, and make sure no one is left behind.

Our humanitarian realities may look different here in Bhutan, but our experience with natural hazards reminds us of the importance of preparedness, resilience and standing together, especially when people are most vulnerable

Ultimately, humanitarian action is about people, and about what we do when others need us most.

19/08/2026

Humanitarian workers stand with people in some of the world’s most difficult and dangerous circumstances, providing life-saving assistance and protecting human dignity when it matters most.

Yet, for too many, helping others has become increasingly dangerous.

More than 1,000 humanitarian workers have been killed in the past three years. Many more have faced attacks, injury, kidnapping and other grave risks simply for doing their jobs.

These attacks are unacceptable. They also have consequences far beyond the individuals targeted — affecting families, communities and people who depend on humanitarian assistance to survive.

The rules are clear: humanitarian workers must be protected, humanitarian access must be respected, and those responsible for attacks must be held accountable.

Humanitarian workers stand up for people in need.

We must stand up for them.

19/08/2026

Today, the UN flag is lowered to half-mast in honour and remembrance of humanitarian personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

We remember their service.
We honour their courage.
We stand with their families and colleagues.



United Nations OCHA Gaurav Ray

19/08/2026

What is humanity’s greatest achievement?

On World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate something bigger than any single invention or discovery: our ability to stand with one another in times of need.

Humanitarian action is about protecting life, dignity and humanity, wherever people are facing crisis.

19/08/2026

Mr Lhatu, Executive Director of the Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan, delivered the opening statement during Bridges of Wisdom: Elder Stories to Inspire Young Voices on 12 August 2026, in celebration of International Youth Day, organised by the Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan in collaboration with UN Bhutan.

Reflecting on the wisdom passed down through generations, he shared how his father’s stories of service, resilience, humility, and responsibility shaped his understanding of Gross National Happiness and the values that guide a meaningful life.

“True wisdom is reflected not only in what we know, but in how we live and how we serve.”
-Mr Lhatu, ED of GNHCB

16/08/2026

24/07/2026

Meet the Voices of Bridges of Wisdom
Every story carries a lesson, and every generation carries a story. As we count down to 12 August, we're excited to introduce some of the voices who will bring Bridges of Wisdom to life.

Story Relay:Ms Charmi Chedda leads our Story Relay – a space where stories are passed hand to hand, voice to voice, and generation to generation.

Panel: "The Stories We Tell, The Values We Live" — How Narratives Shape Identity, Culture, and the Future: Joining this conversation is Jamyang Selden, who will explore how the stories we inherit shape who we become – and who we choose to be.

Panel: "Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future" — What It Means to Be a Young Bhutanese: Regita Gurung brings a young voice to this reflection on identity, belonging, and responsibility in a changing Bhutan.