Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, hailed India as Bhutan’s “closest friend and neighbor,” expressing deep appreciation for India’s “steadfast,” friendship and support in Bhutan’s development journey from the very beginning.
Speaking at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 27, 2024, PM Tobgay also voiced strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
“India, with its significant economic growth and leadership in the Global South, deserves a permanent seat at the Security Council. Similarly, Japan, a leading donor and peacebuilder, warrants permanent membership,” adding the United Nations must evolve to meet the realities of today’s world. The Security Council, as it stands, is a relic of the past. It should reflect the current geopolitical and economic landscape.
He emphasized Bhutan’s longstanding advocacy for Security Council reforms, calling for it to be “more representative and effective.”
PM Tobgay also reminded global leaders that Bhutan joined the United Nations on September 21, 1971, and due to its “all-round progress,” successfully graduated from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in December 2023.
“This achievement did not come easily. It was a journey marked by hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. But we were not alone: we had the support of many friends who accompanied us on this important journey,” noted PM Tobgay. “I take this opportunity to extend our deep gratitude to the United Nations and its specialized agencies. I would also like to thank all our development partners including Japan, the European Union, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank for their unwavering support.”
Referring to Bhutan’s development as “one of hope,” he noted that despite fifty years having passed, only seven nations have graduated from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category, leaving forty-six countries still in need.
Calling this situation “unacceptable,” he urged the global community to redouble its efforts, ensuring that no nation is left behind and that all LDCs reach the goal of graduation. He stressed that addressing “poverty, inequality, and vulnerability,” must become an urgent priority.
“The Pact for the Future, which we adopted collectively at the Summit of the Future, provides us with a roadmap to transform the lives of the world’s most vulnerable,” he remarked, praising the United Nations’ role in convening the summit.
“Graduating from the LDC category is a significant milestone,” he acknowledged, but emphasized that what truly matters is Bhutan achieving this on its own terms. Under the leadership of its visionary monarchs, Bhutan has followed a unique development path rooted in the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, he conveyed.
