This programme is a strategic knowledge-exchange and capacity-building initiative between the Kingdom of Bhutan and UNU-CRIS, providing a platform for collaboration between Member State institutions, government representatives, researchers and international partners, focused on translating sustainable development priorities into approaches for resilient and inclusive development.
The programme will bring together Bhutanese government representatives and experts with the knowledge, research, and international networks of UNU-CRIS. Through technical sessions, expert discussions, field learning, institutional exchanges, and policy-oriented dialogue, it will facilitate knowledge sharing while strengthening institutional capacities for sustainable development and climate resilience.
The programme will focus on interconnected themes: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainable and resilient urban planning, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), nature-positive infrastructure, climate resilience, and environmental governance. Emphasis will be placed on translating these approaches into planning and policy practice, taking into account local contexts, institutional priorities, and cross-sectoral collaboration, with support from field trips in Belgium and neighbouring countries.
A central objective is to strengthen the connection between knowledge, policy and implementation. UNU-CRIS will facilitate access to international expertise for the Bhutanese delegation, with the reciprocal exchange enabling participants to explore how these approaches can be adapted in different institutional and geographical settings.
The programme also aims to strengthen longer-term collaboration between UNU-CRIS and Bhutanese institutions through research, capacity development, knowledge products, and policy engagement.
The engagement reflects UNU's broader commitment to supporting Member States through evidence-based knowledge, interdisciplinary research, and capacity development aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and climate-resilient development priorities.
The delegation programme will combine institutional visits, technical discussions, and interaction with UNU-CRIS colleagues and partners, alongside informal networking to support collaboration beyond the visit.