Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), led Bhutan’s delegation to the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20 to 24 October 2025. Convened every four years, the Conference serves as a key global platform for countries to exchange perspectives and forge partnerships aimed at advancing equitable, inclusive, and sustainable trade and development.
During the week-long event, Lyonpo participated in several Ministerial Roundtables and high-level discussions focusing on shaping the future of multilateralism, regional integration, and the role of trade, investment, and technology in driving economic transformation for developing countries.
In his interventions, Lyonpo highlighted Bhutan’s initiatives and commitment to building a high-income, GNH-based economy founded on sustainability, innovation, and responsible trade. He emphasized the importance of multilateral platforms such as UNCTAD in connecting policy, trade, and technology to enable developing countries to diversify their economies and achieve inclusive prosperity.
On the sidelines, Lyonpo held numerous bilateral meetings with Commerce Ministers and senior officials, as well as with heads of UN specialized agencies based in Geneva, including WTO, UNCTAD, WIPO, ITC, and EIF. The meetings were particularly relevant in view of Bhutan’s ongoing accession process to the WTO, and focused on strengthening partnerships, enhancing technical cooperation, and exploring new areas of collaboration to support Bhutan’s post-LDC development priorities.
In all the engagements, the delegation also took the opportunity to share the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project. Envisioned as a mindful and sustainable Special Administrative Region that combines innovation with Bhutan’s unique values, the project received keen interest from governments, development partners, and UN agencies, leading to constructive discussions on collaboration in green industries, digital infrastructure, and sustainable tourism.
