𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

…𝑨𝒃𝒊 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 𝑨𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒚𝒂 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 65 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 12,600 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎

By Kezang Choden

Abi Chandra Acharya, a former Project Officer under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Partnership Program, has been selected as a finalist for the 2025–2026 Community Solutions Program (CSP). Funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, the fellowship brings together emerging leaders from across the world for three months of intensive leadership development and professional practicum in the United States.

Acharya, who has been actively working on community development initiatives in Trashigang through a collaborative project between Sherubtse College and Kyoto University, is one of only 65 leaders chosen from a pool of more than 12,600 applicants representing 102 countries. His leadership has been particularly visible in projects such as the establishment of the Bartsham Community Museum, development of the Bartsham Community Trail, and the promotion of student involvement through university–community partnerships. He has also been deeply engaged in programs promoting youth participation and local cultural preservation.

Expressing his gratitude, Acharya said, “I am deeply humbled and honored to represent Bhutan on this global platform. This opportunity will allow me to learn innovative approaches in community building and bring back practical solutions that can further strengthen our initiatives in heritage preservation, youth engagement, and sustainable development. My focus area is Peace and Security, and I am excited to learn, grow, and exchange ideas with inspiring leaders from across the globe.”

During his fellowship, Acharya will be placed with Friends of Columbia Tap, a community organization based in Houston, Texas. There, he plans to further develop his skills in project management, cultural and natural heritage preservation, and community engagement. Upon his return to Bhutan, he intends to implement a Community Action Project dedicated to the sustainable management and development of the Bartsham Community Museum in collaboration with relevant government and community stakeholders.

Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, he remarked, “Wearing the Gho fills me with deep gratitude. It is not just a dress code but a reminder of the responsibility I carry as I represent Bhutan on this global platform. This opportunity is not just my achievement, but a collective one made possible through the encouragement and support of my teachers, colleagues, mentors, and community members. I also remain deeply grateful to the program, the U.S. Department of State, and the American people for making this possible.”

Deidre Combs, Leadership Development Instructor of the program, said, “Over the past 14 years, I have been honored to witness how 957 alumni return from their CSP fellowship more committed to strengthening the health of their communities. They have fostered transparent elections, protected rainforests, and reduced domestic violence around the world. The program focuses on four thematic areas: women and gender, transparency and accountability, conservation, and tolerance and conflict resolution. Each fellow is given the opportunity to engage in a graduate-level leadership development course, work in a similar organization to their NGO at home, and learn from other stellar participants. Our fellows from Bhutan have been some of our stars. They fully engage in the CSP course and their practicum. They bring a commitment to being present and compassionate with those they serve, and a great enthusiasm for the work.”

Acharya also reflected on some of the most memorable moments of his ongoing CSP practicum. He highlighted how his journey has strengthened his professional growth and provided a platform to share Bhutan’s vision for sustainable and mindful development with a global audience. One notable experience was his participation in Park(ing) Day, an annual global event where citizens temporarily transform parking spaces into creative public areas. Acharya moderated a discussion with an esteemed urban planner, sharing Bhutan’s national undertaking, the Gelephu Mindfulness City. He described it as a pioneering example of how urban development can be rooted in harmony, well-being, and cultural values rather than being driven solely by economic or infrastructural priorities.

“The exchange was both energizing and humbling,” he said. “It reminded me how local and global ideas can meet on common ground to inspire new possibilities for cities.” The dialogue offered fresh perspectives on sustainable urban planning and highlighted Bhutan’s growing voice in the global conversation on development models that prioritize human and environmental well-being.

Another highlight of his practicum was his involvement in Houston Energy and Climate Week, a citywide event bringing together experts, policymakers, and communities to address climate challenges. Representing the perspective of an international fellow, Acharya emphasized that climate action cannot be measured only in terms of policies or technological advancements. He stressed the importance of social dimensions, noting that true resilience depends on the strength of relationships, equity, and trust within communities.

In discussions often focused on science and infrastructure, Acharya’s intervention reminded participants that people and culture must remain at the heart of climate strategies. “Building resilience is not just about hard infrastructure like levees, grids, or flood control systems, but also about nurturing inclusive communities that can withstand and recover from shocks together,” he explained. Through these engagements, he showcased how Bhutan’s philosophy of development, which places Gross National Happiness (GNH) and social harmony at the center, offers valuable lessons for the world.

The CSP fellowship not only promises to enrich Acharya’s professional journey but also serves to highlight Bhutan’s distinctive approach to community well-being. His selection is expected to inspire many young Bhutanese striving to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Acharya’s journey demonstrates how committed youth leadership can drive social change, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen communities. His representation of Bhutan on this international platform reflects personal dedication and the collective aspirations of the nation’s youth.