Bhutan

Who we are

UNDP started its assistance programme in Bhutan in 1973, although its office was established only in 1979. In Bhutan, the foundation of UNDP's work is to ensure that progress is based on people - on their needs, their efforts and their rights. The Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA), which the Royal Government of Bhutan and UNDP signed on 14 July 1978 governs UNDP assistance to the country. UNDP mobilizes and coordinates support from other partners and pilots new solutions that can be replicated. UNDP offers a global network Bhutan draws upon for ideas and resources. The GNH Commission which is the main coordinating agency for aid coordination in the country including the formulation of national development plans, policies and programmes is the national collaborating partner for the UN/UNDP in Bhutan.

• Democratic Governance
• Poverty Reduction
• Sustainable Energy, Environment and Disaster Risk Management with a crosscutting emphasis on gender mainstreaming.

In Bhutan, a number of mechanisms have been developed within the framework of the Resident Coordinator System to promote inter-agency collaboration through UN theme groups and Joint UN programmes. Five UN theme groups have been set up in line with the key areas of UN support during the next UNDAF cycle. These include Poverty Reduction/Data theme group; Health/HIV Aids; Education/Gender; Governance and Environment/Disaster Risk Management theme group. UNDP chairs the Governance group and Co-chairs Poverty Reduction/Data and the Environment and Disaster Risk Management groups. Several harmonization initiatives are being undertaken among the UN agencies in Bhutan in the areas of procurement, finance & financial reporting, administration, human resource and IT. For more details, visit UNCT Bhutan website.