Youth X Bhutan & Educator X Bhutan

Regenerative Leadership Programs in Collaboration with the Museums of Bhutan Will Foster Skills, Awareness, and Action to Preserve Culture and Nature

Singapore and Thimphu, Bhutan – 31 October 2025 — Druk Asia, Bhutan’s premier travel specialist, has announced a landmark partnership with Inspire Citizens (IC), a global leader in service and sustainability education, to curate experiential learning journeys for students and educators. These programs are being developed in close collaboration with the Museums of Bhutan.

Anchored in IC’s innovative Empathy to Impact Framework, the learning journeys aim to help participants understand the interconnectedness of culture, economy, and ecology. Through reciprocal learning with local communities, educators and students will witness firsthand how a society consciously designs policies for collective well-being. Deep community engagement, meaningful intercultural connection, and hands-on ecological stewardship form the core of these programs, nurturing youth as empathetic global citizens equipped to build a regenerative world.

Joni Herison, Managing Director of Druk Asia said: “Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness demonstrates how progress can be regenerative—restoring balance, enriching lives, and strengthening community. Through our partnership with Inspire Citizens and the Museums of Bhutan, we can mobilize a new generation of global shapers—future leaders who will create meaningful impact across cultures and communities.

Tshering Uden Penjor, Chief Curator, Museum Division, Department of Culture & Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs said: “Bhutan is unique—a place where culture is lived, deeply anchored in the values of humanity. We are excited to welcome Inspire Citizens to collaborate with us to inspire youths around the world to be Guardians of Culture. In an increasingly interconnected world, these learning journeys will offer a blueprint for the future. We hope both international and Bhutanese students will cultivate this guardian mindset, driving regenerative change that uplifts communities and ecosystems alike.”

Guardians of Culture: Learning from Bhutan’s Living Heritage

The programs invite schools and educators to step beyond conventional classrooms and experience immersive, real-world learning in the world’s only carbon-negative country. At the heart of these journeys are the Museums of Bhutan, whose mission is to inspire a new generation of Guardians of Culture.

Through hands-on experiences and reciprocal service, participants discover that empathy begins with listening and understanding. They will collaborate with Bhutanese youth, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and cultural practitioners on projects such as:

• Supporting heritage preservation and storytelling initiatives

• Exploring the intersection of culture, creativity, and ecological stewardship

• Reflecting on shared human values that transcend borders

A Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan has been established to renovate and enhance the museum facilities at both the National Museum of Bhutan and the Royal Heritage Museum. A cornerstone of this initiative is the development of outdoor venue spaces designed to foster connection, learning, and collaboration, nurturing a culture of regenerative leadership.

Education That Transforms: From Empathy to Impact

Each journey follows IC’s Empathy to Impact model — a learning framework that helps educators and students move from awareness to informed action. Participants develop curiosity, compassion, and agency through authentic engagement. Themes of regeneration, stewardship, reciprocal partnership, cultural heritage, and diversity are woven throughout the inspired journey, encouraging learners to align their personal purpose — their “why” — with the world’s pressing needs.

Scott Jamieson, Global Collaborations Lead, Inspire Citizens said: “We aim to create transformative experiences that inspire participants to care deeply — for people, for culture, and for the planet. Bhutan’s harmony between tradition and modernity makes it an unparalleled destination for schools seeking depth and meaning in global citizenship education. Our goal is to help students grow into leaders who act thoughtfully and regeneratively — both locally and globally.”

“Educators are catalysts for change. Through these programs, we also want teachers to experience firsthand how to nurture empathy, intercultural understanding, and stewardship — skills they bring back to students. Learning alongside Bhutanese communities allows both students and educators to grow into leaders who act thoughtfully and with compassion,” added Jamieson.“

A Learning Sanctuary in the Himalayas

Set amidst Bhutan’s pristine valleys and timeless spirituality, IC’s Inspired Experiences in Bhutan immerse participants in the convergence of education, culture, and sustainability — shaping not only minds but also hearts. Here, the mountains themselves become mentors, inspiring reflection, purpose, and a profound sense of belonging.