09/20/2026
POST-CONVENTION REPORT 2026
GBO 6th Annual Convention 2026 and Bhutanese Joint Annual Convention
Theme: “Uniting Bhutanese Hearts & Empowering Generations”
Dates: September 11–13, 2026
Venue: Great Events Center, 7440 Crown Point Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68134
Host Organization: Bhutanese Community of Nebraska (BCN)
1. Introduction
The Global Bhutanese Organization -GBO is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 6th Annual Convention, held as part of the Bhutanese Joint Annual Convention 2026 from September 11–13, 2026, at the Great Events Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
The three-day convention brought together members, leaders, donors, volunteers, and community representatives from four partnering organizations:
Global Bhutanese Organization -GBO
Global Bhutanese Literary Organization (GBLO)
Bhutanese American Music Association (BAMA)
Global Foundation of America (GFA) Proudly hosted by the Bhutanese Community of Nebraska (BCN), the convention provided an opportunity to strengthen organizational partnerships, celebrate Bhutanese culture and heritage, review achievements, and discuss future initiatives, particularly humanitarian assistance and educational opportunities for vulnerable children in refugee camps in eastern Nepal.
2. Convention Proceedings
Day One: Friday, September 11, 2026
The convention commenced with preparatory activities and a meeting of the GBO Board of Directors (BOD), attended by active Board members and prospective new members.
GBO President DB Rai welcomed all participants and outlined the objectives and goals of the three-day convention. The Board discussed organizational matters, ongoing projects, financial considerations, and future priorities.
A significant discussion focused on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning GBO's support for GBO Aadharbhut School in Patheri, Sanischare-10, Morang, Nepal.
The Board agreed in principle to support the school with financial assistance. GBO is committed to making reasonable efforts to provide financial, management, and technical support to the school. The amount and timing of financial assistance will depend on GBO's available financial resources, fundraising results, program priorities, unforeseen circumstances, and applicable decisions of the GBO Board of Directors.
The evening also provided an opportunity for members of the participating organizations to meet, strengthen relationships, and prepare for the following day's convention program.
Day Two: Saturday, September 12, 2026
The principal convention program began with welcome remarks by Vice President Chandrakala Rai and a welcome song performed by DB Tamang.
The program featured organizational presentations, annual and financial reporting, project updates, humanitarian initiatives, fundraising, and discussions about future priorities.
GBO Organizational and Project Presentations:
GBO President DB Rai has presented its organizational activities, annual progress, ongoing projects, and future objectives, highlighting the following areas:
A. Annual and Organizational Reporting
Review of organizational activities, accomplishments, and ongoing projects.
Updates on humanitarian initiatives and future priorities.
B. Financial Reporting and Accountability
GBO presented its funding and financial overview from 2020 through August 31, 2026, including funds collected, expenditures, major spending areas, school management and operational costs, annual budgets, and a projected three-year budget.
GBO reported that it has funded humanitarian projects totaling more than NPR 27 million, supported by contributions from partnering organizations, stakeholders, donors, and individuals across seven resettled countries as follows: Australia NPR 1,413,779; Canada NPR 1,505,202.55; Denmark NPR 1,655,651; Netherland NPR 221,338.04; New Zealand NPR 269,792; UK NPR 433,007 and USA NPR 21,853,150.
The reported expenditure breakdown was:
72.7% – Staff salaries
21.1% – Infrastructure
6.2% – Education program, healthcare and Community support programs.
GBO also estimated a funding requirement of approximately NPR 30 million for the next three years, covering school operations and the construction of additional classrooms and infrastructure to support education through Grade 5.
C. Humanitarian and Educational Initiatives
GBO highlighted its ongoing commitment to vulnerable children and communities in refugee camps in eastern Nepal, including:
Fundraising for refugee children's education.
Nutrition, healthcare, and humanitarian relief programs.
School management and operational support.
Future educational and infrastructure development initiatives.
Fundraising and Donor Appeal
GBO appealed to donors, funders, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters for continued financial assistance to sustain existing programs and expand educational and humanitarian initiatives.
Fundraising activities and donation collections were conducted during the convention. GBO expressed sincere appreciation for the generosity and continued support of its donors, partners, and well-wishers.
Board of Directors Expansion
During the convention, the members unanimously voted to add two new members to the GBO Board of Directors:
Mr. Raju Idhingo, Omaha, Nebraska
Mr. Om Dhungel, Denver, Colorado
GBO warmly welcomes both new Board members and looks forward to their valuable contributions toward advancing the organization's humanitarian, educational, and community development initiatives.
Presentations by Partnering Organizations
The other three partnering organizations also presented their respective activities and future initiatives.
GBLO: Shared its programs focused on preserving the Nepali language, literature, and cultural identity.
GFA: Emphasized collaboration in healthcare, education, and social services for refugee communities in Nepal and Sudan.
BAMA: Presented its objective of connecting younger generations with their cultural identity through music and the arts.
Recognition and Appreciation
The convention included a special recognition ceremony honoring as the Lifetime Legacy & Leadership Award for two key figures, Dr. Narad Pokhrel, Chief Guest of the Convention and
Dr. Kumar Gurung, representing the host and guest leadership.
GBO extended its appreciation to both distinguished guests for their presence, encouragement, and contributions.
Cultural and Musical Evening
The evening featured a vibrant Bhutanese cultural and musical celebration hosted by BAMA, including traditional songs, cultural dances, and musical performances. The program celebrated Bhutanese heritage and strengthened bonds among community members and generations.
Day Three: Sunday, September 13, 2026
The final day concluded with the celebration of Teej, a traditional Nepali festival associated with women and cultural heritage.
The convention program ended with expressions of appreciation to the host organization, participating organizations, community members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the event.
3. Major Outcomes and Significance
The convention provided an important platform for organizational collaboration, financial accountability, cultural preservation, and humanitarian advocacy.
Key outcomes included:
Strengthened cooperation among GBO, GBLO, BAMA, a GFA and BCN.
Review of GBO's organizational achievements, financial position, and ongoing projects.
Discussion of school management, operational sustainability, and future infrastructure needs.
Unanimous approval of two new GBO Board members.
Continued fundraising and donor engagement for education and humanitarian programs.
Celebration of Bhutanese and Nepali cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional festivities.
The convention reaffirmed the shared commitment to improving the education, welfare, and future opportunities of vulnerable children and communities.
4. Acknowledgment and Gratitude
On behalf of the Global Bhutanese Organization-GBO, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bhutanese Community of Nebraska (BCN) for hosting the convention and providing the support and hospitality that contributed to its success.
We sincerely thank our partnering organizations—GBLO, BAMA, and GFA—along with all distinguished guests, GBO Board members, organizational leaders, volunteers, donors, funders, sponsors, well-wishers, and community supporters.
Your generous contributions, participation, and encouragement continue to sustain GBO's humanitarian and educational initiatives.
5. Conclusion
The successful completion of the GBO 6th Annual Convention 2026 and Bhutanese Joint Annual Convention marks another important milestone in the organization's journey of service, collaboration, and community development.
The three-day gathering celebrated shared achievements, strengthened partnerships, and renewed our commitment to humanitarian assistance, education, cultural preservation, and empowering future generations.
GBO remains committed to supporting vulnerable children in refugee camps in eastern Nepal and respectfully appeals for continued generosity and collaboration to sustain its educational and humanitarian programs.
The convention ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Buddhi Man Thapa, President of the Bhutanese Community of Nebraska, expressing appreciation to all participating organizations, guests, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters.
Together, through unity, compassion, and collective responsibility, we can continue making a positive difference.
With sincere appreciation,
Global Bhutanese Organization -GBO
Uniting Bhutanese Hearts & Empowering Generations
