WFF National Youth Chapter
Bhutan
About the WFF Bhutan Youth Chapter
In Bhutan, agriculture is not only a key part of the economy but also deeply rooted in cultural identity. However, the sector faces growing challenges from limited arable land and climate change to labour shortages and restricted market access. Low technological uptake, an ageing farming population and limited opportunities for youth and women, particularly in agri-tech, further impact its long-term sustainability.
The WFF Bhutan Youth Chapter is a youth-led platform that empowers young people to lead the transformation of agrifood systems. By fostering innovation, promoting local solutions and building youth capacity, the Chapter aims to strengthen food security, drive sustainability and ensure that Bhutan’s next generation is equipped to shape a more resilient food future.
The Chapter was officially launched on 12 August 2024, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Country Office in Bhutan and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL). The Chapter now operates as a registered community-based organization, providing an open space for Bhutan’s youth to lead, innovate and collaborate.
Vision
Empowering Bhutanese youth to lead the transformation of agrifood systems, fostering sustainable solutions that align with Bhutan’s values of Gross National Happiness.
Key Objectives
- Foster youth empowerment and leadership in the transformation of agrifood systems;
- Support economic transformation and decent employment;
- Promote education and lifelong learning to equip youth with the knowledge and skills needed for transforming agrifood systems; and
- Champion innovation and contribute to policy development for mindful food production and systemic change in Bhutan’s agrifood sector.
Initiatives
Seeds of Innovation Fellowship
The Chapter launched the Seeds of Innovation Fellowship initiative, designed to empower Bhutanese youth to lead innovative grassroots solutions that positively impact their local communities. This fellowship aims to nurture young people's creativity, leadership and problem-solving abilities by providing direct financial support and recognition. The first call supported 5 ideas with a microgrant of USD 1 000 each to implement their innovative ideas.
SDG camp
The SDG Camp is a flagship initiative of the Chapter, designed to build connections, strengthen the Chapter’s foundation and promote hands-on learning in sustainable development and agrifood systems. Chapter leaders took part in activities like the SDG treasure hunt, Inner Development Goals reflection, SDG card game facilitation, board games and field visits to tech-driven farms. The first SDG Camp was held on 12 and 13 April 2025, marking a key milestone in mobilizing youth-led action.
Mindful games: YouTube vlog series
The Chapter officially launched “Mindful Games,” a creative initiative designed to engage youth in sustainable development through play. The Chapter also premiered the first episode of its YouTube vlog series, featuring highlights from the two-day SDG Camp. The series aims to spotlight youth-led innovations, agricultural stories and sustainability efforts from across Bhutan.
Masterclass and global networking series
This ongoing series connects Bhutanese youth with global agrifood leaders, fostering knowledge exchange and inspiration. The first session featured former White House Pastry Chef William Yosses, who shared insights on regenerative agriculture and sustainable gastronomy, alongside a virtual tour of the Stone Barns Center.
Digital awareness campaigns
The Chapter actively uses social media and online competitions to promote awareness around agrifood systems and sustainability. Highlights include a World Food Day art competition and a World Bee Day video contest, supported by MoAL and the FAO Country Office in Bhutan.
National Youth Symposium
Held over two days, this event marked the official launch of the Chapter and spotlighted youth leadership in agrifood systems transformation. It featured keynotes, panels and the debut of the Bhutan-adapted SDG Action Card Game “X(cross),” developed in collaboration with the Kanazawa Institute of Technology and the FAO Country Office in Bhutan. To date, the game has trained over 250 young people in systems thinking and SDG awareness.
Participation at the WFF flagship event
In 2024, five Chapter leaders represented Bhutan at the WFF flagship event in Rome, contributing to exhibitions, cultural showcases on mountain agriculture and a global youth dialogue on food security. They also engaged in multiple events occurring during the week of the flagship event.
Bhutan Food Dialogue
The WFF Bhutan Chapter, with support from the FAO Country Office in Bhutan and MoAL, launched the Bhutan Food Dialogue in November 2024 during the Druk Tsogrig Gatoen, hosted by the Loden Foundation.
International Women’s Day celebration
In collaboration with the FAO Country Office in Bhutan, the Mountain Partnership and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, the Chapter marked International Women’s Day by showcasing the contributions of Bhutanese women in agriculture, textiles and sustainable livelihoods. Chapter leaders also participated in a panel on empowering youth in sustainable fashion.
Success stories
- Bill Yosses - Chef, De-suung Skilling Programme Instructor, Former White House Pastry Chef
“The Chapter is a vital hub of knowledge and action for promoting healthy and renewable agrifood systems. Their thoughtful voice is essential in advocating for a just and sustainable agricultural future. As the global population grows, we must embrace innovative approaches to manage resources equitably and intelligently. The Chapter is helping preserve the delicate environmental balance the country has worked hard to protect, while celebrating food that is both nutritious and delicious”.
- Duedroi Rawang Zhidhey Tshogpa - Animal Rights and Welfare Organization:
“We are proud to stand alongside the Chapter. The creativity, passion and boldness of the youth leading this platform is truly inspiring. Their drive for a more compassionate, sustainable world strengthens our shared mission in animal welfare and reminds us daily why this work matters”.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Bhutan:
“The Chapter has emerged as a vital platform for empowering young voices in agrifood systems. Their leadership, creativity and commitment align closely with the Ministry’s vision for a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector. The Ministry is pleased to support and collaborate with these future leaders”.
Collaborations
The WFF Bhutan Youth Chapter has actively collaborated with key organizations to amplify its impact. Notable collaborations include:
- FAO Country Office in Bhutan
- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan
- Kanazawa Institute of Technology
- Loden Foundation
- UN Bhutan and UN Youth Advisory Panel members
- Duedroi Rangwang Zhidhey, Animal Rights and Welfare Organization
- Mountain Partnership
See also
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