Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck granted an audience to Dr. Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza, Deputy Regional Director of UNFPA Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO), and Ms. Andrea Wojnar, UNFPA Bhutan Country Director / UNFPA India Representative along with officials from RENEW and UNFPA Bhutan on 12th February.
Her Majesty congratulated Dr. Bodiroza on his appointment as the Deputy Regional Director of UNFPA APRO and wished him success in his duties and for strengthening collaboration with Bhutan. Dr. Bodiroza conveyed personal regard from the UNFPA Executive Director and the Regional Director of APRO.
Dr. Bodiroza expressed deep gratitude to Her Majesty for her unwavering commitment and effort over the past 25 years as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, advocating the ICPD agenda and advancing the rights of women and girls in Bhutan.
Her Majesty while deeply humbled by the positive impacts she has made in the lives of women and girls through decades of advocacy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, emphasized that there is still much work to be done. Her Majesty underscored the importance of ongoing support to combat the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDs and to address gender-based violence (GBV) within these communities, with particular focus on youth. Her Majesty also highlighted the importance of ensuring access to accurate information and essential services, including for GBV not only in Thimphu but across the entire country.
Dr. Bodiroza reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment towards achieving shared goals and innovative solutions to accelerate progress in this crucial area. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Her Majesty for her compassionate leadership and steadfast support.
Her Majesty congratulated UNFPA Bhutan on the endorsement of the 8th Country Program (2024-2028) by Executive Board and assured Her Majesty’s full support for its impactful implementation, which will improve health and well-being of people in Bhutan, particularly women and children.
