Designing a Future for All: Building Inclusive Bhutan

Empathy, collaboration, and training pave the way for a society where no one is left behind.

December 26, 2024
a group of people standing outside of a building

Stakeholders in Dagapela engage in group discussions, addressing key issues and exploring solutions to create a more inclusive and accessible community for all.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

For Suk Raj Sherpa, a 30-year-old resident of Dagana, Bhutan, life has been a series of uphill battles. Born with a physical disability, he has faced rejection, prejudice, and systemic barriers at every turn. Despite applying for ten jobs, nine doors closed firmly on him, each rejection a stark reminder of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. The one job he was offered was also out of reach due to the lack of accessible accommodation and transportation options.

Yet, despite all the setbacks, Suk Raj’s spirit remains unbroken. "My story is not about defeat but resilience," he shares. "Every challenge is an opportunity to raise awareness and make change possible." 

a man that is standing in the grass

Suk Raj Sherpa from Dagana has been resilient, turning barriers into opportunities for awareness and change.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

In Dagapela, well-constructed pavements and priority lines at hospitals are small yet significant changes. Suk Raj is quick to acknowledge the strides made but emphasizes that public transportation and broader systemic accommodations require urgent attention. He says mandatory training courses for public transport drivers to sensitize them on the needs of persons with disabilities. This, he believes, would foster a culture of understanding and empathy, making mobility easier and safer for individuals like him.

a group of people standing in front of a building

The inclusive five-day workshop kicked off with engaging icebreakers and interactive sessions.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

To address systemic gaps, UNDP Bhutan, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office, Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan (DPOB) and local governments, has been conducting workshops and training sessions for local leaders and officials. The initiative, aimed at advancing disability equality and piloting efforts in Dagana, is supported through the Global Funding Window*. These initiatives focus on:

  • Design Thinking and Solutions Mapping: A human-centred process engaging participants to co-create innovative, community-specific solutions to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities. The process emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and actionable initiatives for sustainable impact.
  • Infrastructure Auditing: Evaluating and auditing public infrastructure for accessibility, ensuring compliance with inclusive design standards.
  • Empathy-Building Exercises: Helping participants understand the lived experiences of persons with disabilities, fostering a more compassionate approach to service delivery.
a group of people standing in a room

A Gewog Administration Officer presents innovative solutions co-created during workshops on design thinking, infrastructure auditing, and empathy-building.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

UNDP’s approach in these training sessions is inclusive and collaborative, recognizing the importance of local leadership in creating lasting change. By building empathy and co-creating solutions, these sessions foster a more compassionate approach to service delivery. Persons with disabilities, caregivers, and local officials worked together to identify gaps and design solutions tailored to their unique needs.

a group of people posing for the camera

Tshering Choden, UNDP Bhutan's Head of Exploration, explains how the design thinking framework fosters inclusivity and empowers communities to co-create impactful solutions.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

For officials like Pema Zangmo, Gewog Administrative Officer of Khebisa, these sessions have been transformative. "This is my first training, and it has opened my eyes to the unconscious biases and barriers that exist," she shared. "I now feel more confident in facilitating support for persons with disabilities and advocating for dedicated budget allocations to improve accessibility."

a woman standing in front of a building

Pema Zangmo, Gewog Administrative Officer of Khebisa, stands empowered after attending her first training, ready to advocate for better support and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

"True inclusion requires more than just policies or infrastructure—it demands a united effort driven by empathy, proper training, and awareness to empower persons with disabilities. Only by working together from the heart can we create schools and communities where everyone feels valued and supported," said Tshering Neema, Principal of the Special Education Needs (SEN) school at Gesarling Central School in Dagana.

a man that is standing in the grass

Tshering Neema, Principal of the SEN school at Gesarling Central School, with over 7 years of experience, emphasizes that true inclusion stems from empathy, training, and collective effort to empower persons with disabilities.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

Suk Raj’s message is simple yet profound: "Disability is not a condition confined to a few; it is a possibility for all. As policymakers, planners, and citizens, we must design a society that considers this reality. Inclusive planning today ensures dignity and accessibility for all tomorrow." 

For Suk Raj, these efforts provide hope. "A better future is possible if we work together," he says. "We need a society that includes us—not just as recipients of charity but as equal members of society and contributors with unique perspectives, skills and abilities."

a group of people sitting at a desk

Suk Raj, calls for a society that embraces inclusion, recognizing disability as a shared possibility and advocating for equal participation and dignity for all.

UNDP Bhutan / Karma Jamtsho

This is the essence of UNDP Bhutan’s approach—working alongside persons with disabilities, not for them, a true embodiment of the DPO’s slogan, “Nothing about us without us” Through inclusive dialogue, collaborative efforts, and training, we’re building a more equitable Bhutan for all.

*This initiative is supported by the Governance global team with support for the Funding Window (Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Republic of Korea)

For more information, please contact:  Mr. Karma Jamtsho, Programme Communications and Advocacy Analyst, UNDP Bhutan | Email: karma.jamtsho1@unpd.org