Taking Inpiration from these chrismatic Bhutanese Individuals -

Through their tireless efforts, Bhutanese individuals have exemplified the values instilled in them by their rich cultural heritage. Rooted in a deep sense of gratitude, resilience, and community, they embody the spirit of perseverance that propels them towards greatness. These individuals have embraced challenges as opportunities for growth and have refused to be confined by perceived limitations.

Dr. Pema Jamtsho

In 1990, he took M.Agr.Sc (Hons) from New Zealand, with a thesis on lucerne grass, and in 1996 he took Ph.D. from ETH Zurich. He was a member of the Planning Commission, Sustainable Development Secretariat, Centre for Bhutan Studies, Forestry Development Corporation Board and Founding Co-Chairman of Bhutan Water Partnership. Later he was promoted to the Deputy Secretary of Policy Planning Division, Ministry of Agriculture. He has also worked with ICIMOD based in Kathmandu, Nepal as a specialist in watershed. Ultimately he became the Deputy Resident Coordinator of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation

Currently serving as the Director General of ICIMOD.

Dechen Tshering

Ms. Tsering has held management and leadership positions with the United Nations and has over 30 years of experience in national government and intergovernmental organizations including the World Bank. She comes to UN Environment Programme (UNEP) from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change secretariat where she served as Director of the Finance, Technology and Capacity-Building Programme. Prior to that position, she was the Deputy Regional Director of UNEP in Asia and the Pacific.Ms. Tsering holds a Ph.D. from the Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich in forest economics and policy. She also has a Master’s Degree from Georgetown University and Undergraduate Degrees from UC Berkeley.

Dechen Dorji

Dechen Dorji is the Senior Director for Asia on the Wildlife Conservation team. Dechen oversees WWF-US’s wildlife efforts in Asia, working closely with our goal teams and leadership, WWF’s country offices, and the Wildlife Practice and other WWF initiatives to help develop, implement and mobilize resources for our wildlife conservation priorities in Asia. Before joining WWF, Dechen served as a public policy researcher with the Peoples Project Office during Bhutan’s transition to Democracy in 2007-2008, and as the founding Director of Bhutan’s First Environmental Research and Training Institute. Dechen also received the National Order of Merit, Gold, from His Majesty the King for the Bhutan for Life initiative and his services to the Bhutanese environmental sector.

Chencho Gyeltshen

Chencho Gyeltshen – Athlete, Bhutanese Footballer: Chencho Gyeltshen, often referred to as the “Bhutanese Ronaldo,” is a talented footballer who has made waves in international football. Playing for clubs abroad, including Bengaluru FC in India and FC Istiklol in Tajikistan, Chencho has showcased his skills and represented Bhutan on the global stage. His performances have earned him recognition as one of the most promising footballers from Bhutan, inspiring aspiring athletes in the country.

Currently in contract with Machhindra FC, Nepal A-League

Captain Ugyen Dema

She started as a trainee pilot, paving the way for other aspiring female pilots to follow suit. She gradually went on to become First Officer before being appointed as captain. “My goal was never to become the first female captain or the first female pilot. It’s a natural career progression for me,” she said. Captain Ugyen Dema said the Bhutanese women are lucky to be born in Bhutan where the women are given equal opportunities as the men. She added it’s important for every individual to set personal goals and work toward achieving them. For Drukair, though, the appointment of the first lady captain, as the airline puts it, is a significant milestone in Bhutan’s aviation history. The CEO of Drukair, Tandi Wangchuk, said it is also a manifestation of women capability and empowerment. “Now with Ugyen Dema having proved she is equally good as male captains, I am sure more women would follow suit,” he said.

Kezang Gyeltshen

Kezang Gyeltshen, a 34-year-old native of Lhuentse, lives in the United States. She is the first Bhutanese to work with American Airlines as a first officer. In aviation, the first officer is also called a co-pilot—a pilot in addition to the captain, who is the legal commander. She is yet to get her Airbus 320 type rating. She made her way up to the Legacy Carrier and now she is here as a part of the 15,500 pilots of American Airlines. She was a flight attendant with the Drukair where she discovered her passion for flying. Prior to that, she worked as an administration of-ficer for the Royal Institute of Management for 11 months.

Taking Inpiration from these chrismatic Bhutanese Individuals