To strengthen relationship and understanding between rural communities and the government, the first ever national dialogue was held in Thimphu. The one day event saw 16 community members from Dagana, Haa and Samtse share various issues related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the UN.
The members brought to the limelight issues and difficulties they face in their respective communities in the areas of water and sanitation and access to modern energy. They also raised issues related to safe cities and human settlements, sustainable production and consumption patterns and life on land.
“Today is the first time we have gathered with relevant people from the government to discuss on the issues we face,” Tegomo, Participant from Dagana, said. “We are really happy with the opportunity and hope the issues we raised today will see solutions.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity,” Passa, another participant from Dagana. said. “We got to discuss our problems and issues with the relevant people from the government. From now onward, we look forward to more of such events.”
The national dialogue is an initiative by the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grant Programme, UNDP and Gross National Happiness Commission. Small grant program brings community voices through dialogues like this by providing valuable inputs to the national level plans.
“The main objectives are to create awareness to the communities on the policies and plans of the government and the impacts of the climate change and how our rural communities are affected because of climate change and bring that awareness to the policy makers,” Sonam Pem, the Director of Programmes of the Tarayana Foundation said.
She added it will help the government plan policies and programs in relation to the impacts that the communities are facing.
The recommendations of the dialogue will be presented at a High Level Political Forum to be held in New York next month. The forum serves as a platform in supporting commitments and implementation of key Sustainable Development Goals.
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