Thimphu, Bhutan—UPF-Bhutan organized a “Peace Talks” webinar on “Going Through and Beyond the Covid-19 Crisis,” which attracted 117 viewers on Zoom. Speakers discussed how to maintain peace within the current situation and in the future.
The keynote address was given by Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, former cabinet minister of the government of Nepal and chairman of UPF and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace for the Asia Pacific region. He emphasized that UPF has been conducting numerous activities despite the current pandemic, working throughout the world with its six primary associations focusing on various specific fields.
Then, Hon. Pemba Dhrukpa, former member of Parliament of the Kingdom of Bhutan, expressed gratitude in joining the UPF webinar during this pandemic and explained the situation in Bhutan right now. Things seem to be fine, and people really seem to have faith despite the virus. He also motivated us to not be afraid and rather and move forward as one.
Mr. Santosh Paudel, director of UPF-South Asia, conveyed his warm greetings to the king of Bhutan and his entire family. He praised how well Bhutan is doing and said, “This is the time when our leadership has risen. Since the whole world is facing the problem and is panicking, as Ambassador for Peace and leaders, our role is paramount.”
Mr. Karma Tshering, country director of the Bhutan–Canada Foundation, explained how His Majesty King Jigme Khesar is traveling all around Bhutan to assure that every citizen is safe and sound. Then, Mr. Stephen Couchman, project director of the Bhutan–Canada Foundation, said, “We should be positive and also understand the challenges that we face in this journey of helping people to be as resilient as they possibly can be and developing self-sufficiency.”
The program was moderated by Mr. Binod Dangi, national coordinator of UPF-Bhutan.