Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade RGOB
Economic and Development
As a small, land locked, least developed and mountainous country, Bhutan’s engagement with international partners are aimed at achieving well rounded socio-economic development and rapid economic growth. The Royal Government remains committed to work with the UN and its specialized agencies and other multilateral financial and development organisations to further economic and development goals and to improve the living standards and well-being of our people.
Bhutan continues to engage with the multilateral agencies in ensuring that the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved. The vision and principles set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development resonates well with Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. In pursuit of fulfillment of the SDGs, Bhutan engages with groupings that provide Bhutan forum for discussion on economic and development matters. These groups include the Group of 77, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Least Developed Countries (LLDCs).
Political and International Security
As a peace-loving nation, Bhutan remains committed to multilateral means which promote international peace and security, such as disarmament, UN peacekeeping, counter terrorism among others. Bhutan is party to seven international disarmament instruments. Further, Bhutan joined the fraternity of nations participating in UN peacekeeping operations in September 2014. In December 2017, Bhutan became the first member country to sign a Rapid Deployment Level (RDL) agreement and pledged a military unit of 200 troops Force Protection Company (FP Coy) and a Formed Police Unit (FPU) comprising 160 police personnel. As of January 2021, 191 Bhutanese Peacekeepers have completed their peacekeeping Mission. Bhutan’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations is a historic and far-reaching initiative taken by His Majesty the King, towards supporting the efforts of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security. Bhutan recognizes that collective action of the international community at the national, regional and international level is indispensable to counter terrorism. Bhutan supports regional and global initiatives against terrorism and has ratified 8 of the 19 international legal instruments against terrorism.
Social and Humanitarian
As a responsible member of the United Nations, Bhutan is committed to the principles of the UN Charter and advancing social, cultural, and environmental goals under the aegis of the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. Attainment of universal health coverage, education for all, crime prevention, protection and promotion of rights of all men, women and children are paramount priorities of the Royal Government. Bhutan accords high priority to the conservation of its natural environment and addressing the growing threats of climate change. Recognizing its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, Bhutan has committed to remain carbon neutral and closely collaborates with relevant UN organizations such as the UNFCCC and within the bounds of the Paris Agreement. Additionally, other issues of social and humanitarian concern are preservation of culture, strengthening the health system and promoting good health, addressing the needs of vulnerable sections of society, amongst others.