In October 2024, Marco Boaria, Director of Programs and Corporate Strategy and Anna Ditta, Head of Programs Design at ALDA, embarked on a mission to Bhutan, furthering ALDA’s commitment to fostering democracy and civil participation worldwide. Bhutan, a small landlocked country situated in the eastern Himalayas, is bordered by China to the north and India to the south. Renowned for its distinctive approach to development, Bhutan prioritises Gross National Happiness as a measure of progress, striving to balance economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
This mission was conducted within the framework of the EU-funded project V4GCP (Voice for Green Change Partnership), led by the Handcraft Association of Bhutan (HAB). The V4GCP project focuses on enhancing civic engagement and sustainable production in the Cottage and Small Industries/Small and Medium Enterprises (CSI/SME) sector. The overall objective of the project is to transition to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy through robust participation in governance, which is crucial for the country’s development and the empowerment of local communities.
During their stay, Marco and Anna held a series of strategic meetings with various project partners representing key business associations across Bhutan, including the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). They engaged with several institutions and leaders, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and actions in Bhutan. Among the notable figures they met were the President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Bhutan, the Secretary General of the National Assembly of Bhutan, the Governor of Punakha Dzong, and the Dean of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck (JSW) School of Law.
A highlight of the mission was a training session on policy analysis and policy advocacy, hosted by the prestigious JSW School of Law, whose President is HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the sister of the current King of Bhutan. This seven-day training was part of ALDA’s broader contribution to the project, showcasing its expertise in civil participation and advocacy. ALDA provided real-world insights into civil society engagement and advocacy, drawing on its experiences and those of European stakeholders.
This mission marks another significant step in ALDA’s ongoing efforts to promote participatory democracy and empower civil society actors around the world.
Through this mission, ALDA has not only strengthened its collaboration with Bhutanese partners but has also underscored its role in supporting local communities and institutions in fostering inclusive governance and sustainable development.
