Thimphu, 4 December 2025: The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), successfully convened the Second Bhutan–ICIMOD Coordination Committee Meeting in Thimphu. The meeting was chaired by the Hon’ble Secretary of MoENR. The Director General of ICIMOD, Dr. Pema Gyalmtsho co-chaired the meeting and was attended by representatives of partner agencies and observers.
The meeting assessed the progress of ICIMOD supported projects across 16 different thematic areas such as cryosphere research, air-quality monitoring, community-based tourism, renewable energy, springshed and wetland management, rangeland restoration, nature-based solutions, natural-capital accounting, and human–wildlife coexistence, among others.
The meeting acknowledged impressive progress made over the past one year. The Chief Planning Officer, who chaired the 2-day technical working group meeting from 2nd to 3rd December 2025, reported that the Bhutan–ICIMOD partnership has deepened after the alignment of all ICIMOD-supported activities to Bhutan’s 13th FYP, MoENR’s sectoral plan, and partners’ respective agency plans.
The Hon’ble Chair stated that the Bhutan-ICIMOD partnership has to build on the current achievements and work on bigger projects that have diversity in partnership and region to make a bigger impact. He asked ICIMOD to explore means to access climate finances such as adaptation fund, fund to respond to loss and damage, Green Climate Fund and other innovative financing to support bigger and impactful projects. Further, he directed the partners to prioritize projects for the Medium-Term Action Plan VI of ICIMOD through a national consultation.
The Director General of ICIMOD and Co-chair, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho stated that Bhutan has been leading in the region and has become exemplary among the eight regional member countries. He said that the political stability, strong support from the nodal ministry and proactive partners have contributed to the impressive progress made in Bhutan. He said that ICIMOD would continue to support partners in Bhutan and explore more finance, technology, and science-based solution support.
Going forward, the Committee decided to include a few relevant sectors as members of the committee. The partners will also work on a robust monitoring and evaluation system, partnership mapping, and prepare for the MTAP VI prioritization based on the national plan priorities.
In concluding, the Chair expressed deep appreciation to the Director General and his team from ICIMOD for the continued leadership and support.
