UNFPA presents HM Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck an award

Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck has been honored with an award and a certificate of special appreciation for 20 years of service as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador at the Tara Zhingkham Lhakhang in Thimphu, on the occasion of the United Nations Day on 24 October 2019.

Her Majesty has championed the cause of women and children empowerment and social and health issues since 1999. Having personally traveled the length and breadth of the country, often through difficult terrain on foot, interacting closely with people from all walks of life, Her Majesty gained a comprehensive understanding of the constraints and the opportunities in the social sector of the country. Her Majesty recognizes the importance and the need to ensure that the education and empowerment of women and children, advancing their rights and providing choices, are an integral part of Bhutan’s overall social and economic development process.

In January 1999, Her Majesty assumed the role of UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and has actively championed the advocacy on safe motherhood, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, gender-based discriminations, domestic violence etc. In the words of Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of UNFPA, Her Majesty “has been the driving force behind our advocacy efforts” and “a role model for women and girls”. She added that with “Her Majesty at the helm of our advocacy efforts, we are certain Bhutan will show the way to the rest of the world”. At the award ceremony, the UNDP Resident Coordinator in Bhutan Mr. Gerald Daly thanked Her Majesty for her years of selfless commitment and said “Your Majesty is an inspiration to us all”.