The Youth Leadership Program concluded its three-week rigorous session of practices, training, and competitions in Thimphu, focusing on cultivating the next generation of Bhutanese leaders. The program brought together 32 high school students from eight schools across Thimphu, providing them with hands-on experience in leadership, public speaking, and civic engagement.
Organized by the Chithuen Phendhey Association (CPA Bhutan), in partnership with Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS), Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNBL), and TCD Pvt Ltd, the mission of the program was to foster compassionate and effective leaders capable of driving positive social change. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a rigorous curriculum that honed their leadership skills, built social awareness, and refined their communication abilities. The program culminated in public speaking competitions and debates where the students tackled critical social issues, showcasing their growth as future leaders.

High-Level Support and Presence
The program was graced by several distinguished guests, including His Excellency, the Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly, the Opposition Leader, the Minister of Health, the Dasho Thrompon, and representatives from the RBP. Also present were the President of Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences (KGUMS) and members of the National Assembly and National Council and Family memebrs. Their presence highlighted the importance of the event and reinforced the critical role that youth leadership plays in shaping Bhutan’s future.

Public Speaking: A Platform for Change
Public speaking competitions, especially the Rising Leaders Award 2024, provided students with a powerful platform to address pressing societal issues. Through their speeches and debates, the youth explored themes deeply relevant to Bhutanese society, such as substance abuse. These competitions were more than just displays of talent; they became movements for empathy, empowerment, and social engagement. The students used this opportunity to challenge societal norms and push for meaningful discussions on topics like mental health and addiction.

Compassionate Drug Policies: Youth Speak Out
One of the standout moments came from Pema Choden of Dechencholing Higher Secondary School. In her speech, she compared those struggling with addiction to a neglected plant that thrives only when given proper care. "With the right support, people with substance use disorders can heal, but without it, they will continue to wither," she explained, calling for rehabilitation over punishment.
In contrast, Namgay Zam of Motithang Higher Secondary School, who won the Dzongkha Public Speaking Award, emphasized the need for evidence-based drug policies. Drawing from international examples, such as Portugal, Namgay advocated for shifting away from punitive measures and focusing on treatment and harm reduction. Her message was clear: Bhutan must adopt modern, compassionate strategies to effectively address substance abuse.
As part of the leadership program, the youth engaged in meaningful practice, research, and careful selection of the most impactful words and themes to share with society through their performances. The effects of their efforts were first and foremost felt by the youth themselves, but soon spread to the broader community. For nearly three weeks, each participant immersed themselves in debates, public speaking, and advocacy, addressing critical themes relevant to the needs of our people, the government, and policymakers.
These speeches were not just performances; they were urgent calls to action. The youth urged the government and society to rethink outdated drug policies and adopt compassionate, evidence-based approaches.

Reflections on Leadership and Civic Engagement
The impact of the public speaking competitions on the participants was profound. Ngawang Yonten, a 17-year-old from the Bhutan Football Federation Academy, shared how the platform helped him build confidence and develop critical social skills. Similarly, Phuntsho Wangchuk from Yangchenphu Higher Secondary School expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I’m thankful for the chance to meet students from other schools and gain new insights.” These competitions not only offered intellectual growth but also gave students the chance to reflect on societal issues and take a stand for positive change. The program allowed participants to realize their potential in influencing policy and fostering transformation in their communities.

Expanding the Vision: A National Movement
Encouraged by the positive feedback, the Youth Leadership Program is now planning nationwide expansion. The organizers aim to extend the program to all 20 Dzongkhags by 2025. They envision making youth leadership development an annual event, similar in importance to major sports tournaments, to ensure that leadership skills, civic engagement, and critical thinking become integral parts of the national curriculum. As Bhutan faces challenges related to substance abuse and social development, programs like the Youth Leadership Program are crucial for empowering youth to become responsible leaders and equipping them with the tools necessary to drive meaningful societal change.

Highlights of the Final Event
The final event, held on September 17, 2024, at Trowa Theatre in Thimphu, celebrated youth talent and leadership. Participants displayed impressive public speaking and debate skills, with several walking away with prestigious awards:
• Motithang Higher Secondary School emerged as the Debate Champions, winning a trophy for their school and Nu. 50,000. The team presented on the topic "How should society address the growing problem of drug addiction?" They won with a well-presented and crucial argument advocating for treating addiction as a public health issue, focusing on treatment, rehabilitation, and education rather than punitive measures.
• Bhutan Football Federation Academy secured the 1st Runner-Up position in the debate category.
• Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School and Motithang Higher Secondary School claimed the Public Speaking Champion title in English and Dzongkha respectively.
• Dechencholing Higher Secondary School earned the 1st Runner-Up positions in both Dzongkha and English Public Speaking.
Additional awards were given for Promising Young Speaker and Best Individual Performance, recognizing outstanding achievements from several students and schools.

A Catalyst for Future Leaders
By linking public speaking with real-world issues, the Youth Leadership Program has proven to be a vital platform for shaping youth Bhutan’s future leaders. The participants demonstrated that they have the passion, intelligence, and compassion to make a lasting impact on Bhutanese society. This initiative will continue to inspire Bhutanese youth and serve as a catalyst for personal and social growth, cultivating a generation of informed, compassionate, and capable leaders. The future of Bhutan's leadership looks brighter than ever.