Bhutan SDG Impact Finance Forum
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Bhutan SDG Impact
Finance Forum

Unleashing funds to accelerate sustainable development

11-12 December 2025
Thimphu, Bhutan
35+ Speakers
Outcome Document

Forum Outcomes

SDG Impact Finance Forum, 11-12 December 2025

Opened by the Honorable Prime Minister of Bhutan, convened by the Royal Government of Bhutan and the United Nations in Bhutan, the Bhutan SDG Impact Finance Forum brought together national leaders, global pioneers in impact investing, development partners, investors and entrepreneurs to catalyse a new generation of finance for Bhutan's bold development aspirations.

Building on Bhutan's values of Gross National Happiness, environmental stewardship and cultural flourishing — and in the context of its recent graduation from Least Developed Country Status — the Forum recognised that traditional development finance cannot close the SDG and climate financing gaps. Participants agreed that impact finance and innovative partnerships hold potential to unlock new forms of finance, at scale, to support the 13th Five Year Plan, the 21st Century Economic Roadmap and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Across keynotes, panel discussions, pitching and reverse pitching sessions, as well as case studies technical sessions, a shared commitment emerged: to position Bhutan as a leader in impact finance, where policy, partnerships, technology and entrepreneurship work together to mobilise capital at scale while remaining deeply rooted in Bhutan's culture, communities and values.

Commitments Announced

The following commitments were announced at the Forum and its margins

Abbie Yung(Synergy Social Ventures)

Committed to be available for Bhutanese entrepreneurs to conduct brainstorming and facilitate connections.

ANDE(Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs)

Committed to support Bhutan's small and growing business ecosystem in a way that aligns with Bhutan's vision, adopting a locally led approach, drawing on global insights.

Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF)

Will collaborate with the United Nations in Bhutan to explore opportunities to support early entrepreneurship in youth and kids.

Devjit Roy Chowdhury

Committed to connect WFP Bhutan to technical experts who can offer support on matters relating to index based crop insurance.

Ian Monroe(Etho Capital)

Committed to make a first investment in Loden Tewa and to support the MBA Programme at Gedu College.

Insitor Partners

Will support organisations in Bhutan to provide training and mentorship to enhance entrepreneurial capacities of local businesses.

Jana Svedova(Synergy Social Ventures)

Committed to be available to provide advice on business models and fundraising strategies for Bhutanese entrepreneurs.

Julia Booth(Honorary Consul of Bhutan in New South Wales)

Agreed to support the MBA Programme at Gedu College.

Loden Tewa & NIIN(Nordic Impact Investor Network)

Agreed in principle to work together to build the entrepreneur ecosystem building - acceleration for investment readiness and network building.

Neha Bhatnagar(Aspire Impact)

Will employ her wide network of impact investors to establish new partnerships, especially in support of the proposed programmes on disability inclusion and climate-smart schools.

Royston Braganza & Phub Dorji(Impact Investors Council of India & Pelsung)

Agreed in principle to partner to explore opportunities to bring impact finance to the graduates of Pelsung, particularly graduates of the innovation track.

Sonomi Tanaka(Asian Development Bank)

Will direct her office to partner with RGOB to leverage Bhutan's strengths and kindness, telling compelling stories and drawing in partners with heart to mobilize more impact finance for sustainable development.

Tarayana Foundation

Committed to offer support for Zhing Scan in its field pilot testing as part of its app development.

Positioning Bhutan as a leader in impact finance

About the Forum

About the Forum

Bhutan stands at a defining moment in its sustainable development journey. Having graduated from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2023, Bhutan continues to lead the world in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, cultural integrity, and social wellbeing.

Vision 2050

Yet, to realize its bold vision of growing its economy tenfold by 2050, Bhutan must unlock new and innovative forms of finance. Despite significant investments in large-scale infrastructure, the country faces a shortage of capital for small businesses, social enterprises, and transformative SDG-aligned ventures.

Impact Finance

The Bhutan SDG Impact Finance Forum aims to unlock new and innovative forms of finance for sustainable development. Building on global and regional commitments such as the Summit of the Future (2024), the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA), and the Compromiso de Sevilla (FFD4), this high-level event will bring together the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), the United Nations, philanthropic and impact-oriented financiers and partners from the private and public sectors to explore pathways for blended, impact, and reform-oriented finance that can drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

Global Partnerships

By aligning global financing reforms with Bhutan's national priorities, the Forum will catalyze partnerships that convert ideas into investment-ready initiatives, unlocking the next wave of sustainable finance for Bhutan's future.

Aligning financial flows with Bhutan's national priorities; catalyzing partnerships that convert ideas into impact.

Keynote Speaker

Welcome Address

We are honored to welcome His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Bhutan

Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Keynote Speaker

Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay

Prime Minister of Bhutan

Royal Government of Bhutan

Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay was born on 19th September 1965, His Excellency received his early education in Bhutan before pursuing higher studies abroad. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, followed by a Master's in Public Administratio...

Experience Highlights

What to Look Forward To

An immersive experience designed to connect, inspire, and catalyze sustainable finance

High-Level Dialogues

Aligning Bhutan's national strategies with global financing frameworks.

Interactive Sessions

Connecting thought leaders, innovators, and investors.

Live Announcements

New funding instruments and partnerships.

The Loden Tewa Accelerator Launch

Empowering Bhutanese entrepreneurs.

Partnership Marketplace

Showcasing impact-ready enterprises.

Exclusive Networking

With global pioneers in impact and blended finance.

Cultural Immersion

Experience Bhutan's rich and welcoming hospitality.

Join us for an unforgettable experience that will shape the future of sustainable finance

Two-Day Experience

Event Agenda

Two transformative days of dialogue, innovation, and collaboration

11 December

Day 1: Setting the Vision

Morning

Grand Opening & Fireside Chat

Late Morning

Foundations of Impact Finance

Afternoon

Launch of New Impact Finance Instruments & Loden Tewa Accelerator

12 December

Day 2: From Vision to Action

Morning

Parallel Sessions: Reverse Pitching & Environmental Finance

Late Morning

Climate Innovation & Agriculture Finance

Afternoon

Social Protection & Gender Equality

Late Afternoon

Closing Ceremony

Two Complementary Paths

Forum Tracks

The Forum will advance its mission through two complementary tracks

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Convening

Bringing together innovators, pioneers, tech experts, and researchers to co-create bankable projects with measurable SDG impact.

Explore this track
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Platforming

Connecting project leaders with the partners, financiers, and enablers they need to achieve scale and sustainability.

Explore this track

Together, these tracks will bridge the gap between ideas and impact, vision and investment.

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December 11-12, 2025 | Thimphu, Bhutan
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Join 500+ leaders, investors, and changemakers shaping the future of sustainable finance