Bhutan advances food systems transformation with national stocktaking writeshop

Punakha, Bhutan, 4 December 2025 - The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Royal Government of Bhutan, in partnership with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, convenes a four-day National Writeshop on Food Systems Transformation Stocktaking from 4-7 December 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey toward building resilient and sustainable food systems, aligned with its noble philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

The writeshop brings together government officials, technical experts, and development partners to consolidate findings from nationwide regional consultations and produce a comprehensive national stocktaking report on the implementation of Bhutan's food systems pathways, first presented at the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and with the aim to update the 2023 national stocktaking report.

“Bhutan’s commitment to transforming our food systems is grounded in our national values of Gross National Happiness and is underpinned by our focus on sustainable and regenerative agriculture that safeguards the environment, strengthens rural economies, and promotes healthier communities," said Mr. Karma Tshering (National Convenor) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock's Policy and Planning Division. "This stocktaking exercise allows us to assess our progress, celebrate achievements, and chart the course forward with enhanced coordination across sectors and partners."

The initiative represents Phase I of Bhutan's engagement with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, demonstrating the country's leadership in operationalizing food systems transformation from vision to action. Bhutan's national pathways outline an ambitious vision for building a resilient, high-performing agrifood system to catalyse the maximization of Gross National Happiness and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The writeshop follows comprehensive regional consultations held in Phuentsholing, Bumthang, and Mongar, which engaged local government officials, private sector representatives, and agricultural stakeholders across the country. The consultations highlighted notable progress but also highlighted persistent challenges including significant climate vulnerabilities, even as the country remains as a steadfast carbon negative nation, reinforcing the need for continued global support to accelerate Bhutan’s transition towards a sustainable, resilient and inclusive food system.

"Bhutan's approach exemplifies how countries can integrate food systems transformation with national development priorities," noted the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, regional focal point. "The participatory stocktaking process ensures that diverse voices inform the path forward, creating ownership and alignment across all levels of governance."

The writeshop will produce a comprehensive report documenting Bhutan's achievements, persistent challenges, stakeholder engagement strategies, and priority actions for the next five years, contributing valuable insights to the global food systems transformation agenda and the 2030 Agenda, while strengthening national coordination mechanisms.