ICPD 25 is a high-level conference that was held in Nairobi from 12th-14th November, 2019. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, where 179 governments adopted a landmark Programme of Action which set out to empower women and girls for their sake, and for the benefit of their families, communities and nations. 

The Nairobi Summit with the theme ‘Accelerating the Promise’ brought together heads of state and government, royalties, NGOs, CSOs and youth organizations, indigenous people, young leaders and people living with disabilities to make commitments and fulfill the unfinished business of Cairo.

Pema Choden, a second year BA Anthropology student from Royal Thimphu College was among the young leaders who attended the conference. Pema said, “ICPD25 allowed me to realize that Bhutan made an incredible gain in providing free health services and education to its people. However, there is still a high unemployment rate among youth, no safe space for young girls and women and no active coverage on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in education curriculum despite youth organization like Y- Peer sensitizing on SRHR.”  Pema is also the Y-Peer Focal person at RTC, a youth-led initiative that focuses on educating and advocating youth on adolescent reproductive and sexual health. Pema pledges, ”I march for a safe space for all girls, women and young people, zero physical harassment and rape and talking about SRHR in families. I march for gender equality, young people as decision makers, for women to decide when to marry, when to have a child and when to have sex. I march to eliminate any harmful practices to all girls, women and children.”  

ICPD25 brought together 9,500 delegates from about 173 countries to make a commitment to address the 3 Zeros; Zero preventable mortality, zero unmet need for contraceptives and family planning and zero sexual and gender based violence. Her Excellency, Lyoenpo Dechen Wangmo, Minister of Health communicated Bhutan’s pledge to fulfill and implement the commitments of ICPD25 and the 2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goals. Some of these goals are to ensure safe motherhood and sexual reproductive health rights for all women and girls, develop target policy to accelerate mother and child health care, optimal utilization of health services, reduce maternal mortality and cervical cancer, provide access to information and services related to adolescent reproductive health and rights through comprehensive sexuality education in schools and institutions and develop programs for youths.

“I would like to especially thank the government of Kenya, Denmark and UNFPA for co-convening the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to UNFPA Bhutan, Y- Peer Bhutan, DYS, Changjiji Youth Center and Royal Thimphu College for supporting me and giving me this wonderful opportunity. Through ICPD25, I got an opportunity to attend the memorial service of our Late Third Druk Gyalpo at the place where he passed away.”  Pema encourages everyone to be an agent of change, especially men who can play a greater role to achieve gender equality. “Let us work together to accelerate the promises and create a safe future for generations to come.”

-Pema Choden, BA in Anthropology.

The biggest adventure of my life so far began in July 2018 and lasted for a year. I had the opportunity to study in Bhutan, one of the most mysterious countries in the world. I left behind my usual life and stepped into the unknown. I didn't know anyone and I didn't know much about the country, but I was sure it would be exciting. And I was right.

During this time, I completely left my comfort zone and learned that I was a lot tougher than I originally thought. Fortunately, my home university and the Royal Thimphu College (RTC) have helped a lot to make the first few weeks very comfortable for me due to which the cultural differences were much easier to handle.

In a new country and a completely different environment, it was not easy to be "the exchange student", but in RTC, everyone was kind and helpful. Besides, I was not the only international student so I had other people who were going through similar experiences as mine and so we bonded over the common situations we found ourselves in.

Studying for a couple of semesters in Bhutan is an exceptional opportunity. I can recommend it to everyone, because you can gain experiences that can influence your entire life.

Without the Erasmus+ exchange program, I certainly would not have been able to visit Bhutan and discovered its amazing culture. In addition to learning, I had the opportunity to travel around Bhutan, get to know the countryside, hike, go out with friends, and get to know new people. One of Bhutan’s greatest advantages is that mass tourism has not reached the country - despite all the beauty it has to offer. Due to a conscious and smart decision made by the government, there is a limit on the number of tourists who can visit the country and so in many places, nature is untouched. Modern and traditional aspects blend naturally in the country due to which its towns and cities have a special atmosphere.

RTC differs in many ways from Hungarian universities and colleges, so I learned a lot of new things here. Its biggest advantage is that English is the primary language, which makes the college completely international and open to students from outside the country.

I can safely say that it was one of the best decisions on my part to apply for Erasmus + and come to Bhutan, because it was an experience I will never forget. The exposure to a completely new culture has shown me that the world is much larger and more colorful than I could have ever imagined. 

-Akos Domahidi

Grades (marks) at Royal Thimphu College are assigned to individual students on the basis of academic judgment, using a percentage scale common across the colleges associated with the Royal University of Bhutan. The table below outlines a student’s expected academic achievement/performance using this grading system. This is followed by a description of each level of performance.

For Undergraduate Studies:

80% and above - Outstanding performance: Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the question or problem and presents evidence of extensive reading of appropriate texts reflected in illuminating references in work. Shows exceptional originality in problem-solving, analysis and evaluation, and presents arguments in a fluent and convincing manner. Displays the ability to synthesize concepts, knowledge, and theory; and exceptional insight and critical thinking.

70-79.9% - Very good performance: Shows clear understanding and interpretation of the question set. Includes all of the most relevant information/issues raised by the question. Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate reading, through reference to texts and journal material. Shows a thorough understanding of theoretical/conceptual issues. Demonstrates ability to present answers in a balanced and coherent way. Shows awareness of value judgments/assumptions embodied in the question. Demonstrates ability to analyze issues raised and evaluate the evidence presented.

60-69.9% - Good Performance: Generally understands the question and interprets the question appropriately. Brings in most of the main points/issues raised by the question. Only isolated reference to reading. Generally understands concepts involved, theoretical understanding rather shallow. Presents points reasonably clearly; demonstrates some analytical ability. Shows awareness of value positions required by the question.

50-59.9% - Satisfactory Performance: Limited understanding of the question set. Discusses some of the main points/issues raised by the question. Limited reference to reading. Some understanding of concepts - limited but accurate factual information. Muddled/unclear presentation. Unsupported value statements.

49.9% and below - Fail: Unsatisfactory standard. Some attempt to address issues in the question but do not quite meet the criteria outlined for an acceptable answer. Marks in this range will be awarded for wrong or negligible answers and nonresponse.