UNFPA Bhutan and India facilitated exchange visits among implementing partners from Bhutan to observe diverse programs in Delhi, Khajuraho, and Bhopal in India, aligning with UNFPA’s objective of advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation among program countries. Spanning from December 4th to 8th, the visit facilitated collaborative learning and the cultivation of cooperation.
The delegation included representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Central Monastic Body, the Commission for Religious Organization of Bhutan, and the Royal University of Bhutan, totaling 14 participants. The main objective was to share and observe experiences related to programs addressing adolescents, youth, and gender.
The visit included engagements with the UNFPA Country Office in Delhi, featuring displays of technological advancements and innovations in programs. UNFPA India hosted the Bhutanese delegation during their South-South Cooperation visit on 4th Dec, Monday. While in Delhi, the delegation engaged with Shombi Sharp, the United Nations India's Resident Coordinator, and Andrea M. Wojnar, the UNFPA India's Rep. & Country Director - Bhutan. The delegates learned how India leverages tech & innovation to improve access to information & services for youth & adolescents.
Meeting with the Resident Coordinator of the India Country Office and the UNFPA CO Innovation team, New Delhi on 4/12/2023
Meeting with the Country Director of the Bhutan Country Office, New Delhi on 4/12/2023
In Khajuraho and Bhopal, the team interacted with UNFPA state officials, toured program sites, and held discussions with high-level officials. This experience offered valuable perspectives for the upcoming country program.
Meeting with Hon’ble District Collector, Collectorate, Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh on 6/12/2023
Meeting the Hon’ble Principal Secretary & Team, Department of School Education, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 8/12/2023
Meeting the Mission Director & Team at the National Health Mission, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 8/12/2023
The visiting team found inspiration in several programs in Madhya Pradesh, including an AI-enabled chatbot, the positive masculinity concept, the Umang helpline managed from school campuses, straightforward reading materials employed by Sathiyas to convey SRHR and GBV messages in local communities, the Suman program incentivizing Ashas to promote mothers and children's attendance at healthcare services, and the innovative practice of naming programs in the local language as shown below:
Visit to Government Schools implementing Umang School Health and Wellness Program in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh on 5/12/2023
Saathiyaa Cluster Meeting in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh on 5/12/2023
Visit to District Hospital, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh on 6/12/2023
The team also had the opportunity to explore cultural and heritage sites such as the Western Group of Hindu & Jain Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh which signifies four life goals such as Dharma (duties), Kama (desires), Artha (purpose), and Moksha (liberation). Dharma involves daily duties, Kama involves sensual fulfillment, Artha involves economic pursuits, and Moksha is attained through self-realization after fulfilling the previous three goals.
Team visit to Khajuraho Temple
