Thimphu, Bhutan – The UN Development Programme today presented a Special Recognition Award to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, of Bhutan, for his leadership in advancing human development and the wellbeing of Bhutanese people.

UNDP Administrator and UN Under-Secretary-General, Achim Steiner, who is in the country as co-chair of the 14^th Round Table Meeting, presented the award.

"Bhutan's success demonstrates that ambitious sustainable development policies coupled with committed and enlightened leadership can produce remarkable results and transform people's lives," said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.  "This progress and stability in Bhutan are a testament to the vision and leadership of His Majesty the King and the Royal Government."

His Majesty the King is being recognized for three major human development achievements in Bhutan. His Majesty has championed Gross National Happiness as a holistic development paradigm; his leadership on the environment and climate action has ensured that Bhutan is the only carbon-neutral country in the world; and His Majesty’s guidance, which ensured a smooth transition of the system of governance and strong democratic foundations to be established in Bhutan. This has been evident from the significant and tangible development results reflected in the new National Human Development Report of ten years of democracy in the country, which was launched yesterday.

Contact information:

Dechen Wangmo, Communications Analyst, UNDP Bhutan, tel: +975 322424 ext: 135, email: dechen.wangmo@undp.org; Twitter: @UNDP_Bhutan