The Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan (GNHCB), in partnership with the United Nations Bhutan, will host Bridges of Wisdom: Elder Stories to Inspire Young Voices on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, at the RUB Convention Hall, Thimphu, in celebration of International Youth Day 2026. 

Setting the stage for future, similar events under this strong partnership, Bridges of Wisdom will bring together elders and young people to share lived experiences, traditions, and stories – exploring how the wisdom of the past can help shape a more compassionate and resilient future. 

Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Chodren Wangchuck will grace the event as chief guest and deliver the keynote address and launch the 2026 Demographic Futures Survey Report. Statements will also be delivered by Lyonpo Yeezang D Thapa, Minister of Education and Skills Development, and Mr Gaurav Ray, UN Resident Coordinator in Bhutan.

The programme will bring together government leadership, UN agencies, civil society organisations, educators, elders and young people from across the country for a full day of dialogue, storytelling and cultural exchange. Throughout the day, participants will engage in a diverse programme of high-level dialogues, panel discussions, a report launch, interactive experiences and exhibitions led by FAO, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. Highlights include:

• The keynote address by Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Chodren Wangchuck and the launch of the Demographic Future Survey 2026 report, which reached more than 100,000 internet-connected people aged 18-39 in 73 countries, including Bhutan. This report, titled “Lives, Choices and Future: What young people want and what shapes their decisions about relationships and parenthood", brings together one of the largest bodies of evidence to date about their aspirations for partnership and parenthood as well as the challenges they face in realizing these goals.
• A panel discussion, “The Stories We Tell, The Values We Live: How Narratives Shape Identity, Culture and the Future", featuring Mr Tsewang Rigzin (PsyPod), Dasho Zanglye Drukpa, Ms Jamyang Seldon, and Ms Deki Zam;
• Dialogue on , “Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future: What It Means to Be a Young Bhutanese”, featuring Ms Regita Gurung, alongside Ms Kinley Pelden and Mr Kinley Phyntso; 
• A dialogue on Bhutan’s food heritage and the young people carrying it forward;
• A discussion exploring how young people turn stories, values, and inspiration into action; 
• Interactive activities including a Story Relay, a fireside chat on generational connections, cultural performances, exhibitions, and the Wall of Change;  
• Stories highlighting inspiring changes led by youth in the agriculture and livestock sectors as well as an interactive game, “Healthy Plate", for the youth attending the event;
• A Nature4Health stall to promote the linkages between biodiversity, health and climate as well as showcase youth-made artwork and handcrafted items; and 
• A stall displaying products made by artisans with disabilities.