Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the 10th anniversary celebration of the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS) on May 8, 2026, commemorating a decade of humanitarian service that has transformed the organization into one of the country’s most visible and trusted voluntary institutions.
The occasion served not only as a celebration of the Society’s achievements over the past ten years, but also as a tribute to the vision and leadership of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, who oversaw the establishment of BRCS and has guided the organization as its President since its inception.
At the anniversary celebration, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen launched the BRCS Development Plan II for 2026–2030, a five-year strategic roadmap aligned with the government’s 13th Five-Year Plan. The plan is expected to guide the organization’s future humanitarian interventions while strengthening institutional capacity, community resilience, and volunteer engagement.
Her Majesty also launched the BRCS Branch Disaster Response Team programme, an initiative aimed at establishing a National Disaster Response Team that meets international standards. The programme seeks to strengthen Bhutan’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity through specialized training, coordination, and deployment mechanisms at the local level.
The uniforms for the disaster response teams were also unveiled during the event, symbolizing the Society’s growing professionalism and preparedness in responding to emergencies and disasters.
A photo exhibition titled “United in Humanity” was another highlight of the celebration, documenting ten years of humanitarian work carried out by BRCS across the country. The exhibition captured moments of disaster response, community outreach, health interventions, volunteer services, and acts of solidarity that have defined the Society’s journey over the last decade.
In expressing gratitude to Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen for gracing the occasion and for the continued royal guidance bestowed upon the organization, BRCS officials and volunteers acknowledged the profound role of the Royal vision in shaping the Society’s humanitarian mission.
The organization also extended appreciation to its volunteers across the country, recognizing their service, commitment, and sacrifices in reaching vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the event, volunteer Ram Bhattarai said he felt privileged to witness the Society’s remarkable journey since its establishment.
“I am very proud of all of us, and as a member, I am privileged to witness so many good things happening since BRCS came into existence with the profound guidance and benevolence of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen,” he said.
Another volunteer, Sonam Dorji, described the experience of serving with BRCS as both meaningful and transformative.
“I am honored to be part of this and what BRCS has done to the community in the last decade. What keeps us strong and motivated is the enormous and lasting impact that we are leaving in society,” he said.
Another volunteer said that the “remarkable milestone” should inspire many more years of success, strength and meaningful contributions to society as they continue serving others with compassion and dignity.
Established under the Bhutan Red Cross Society Act 2016, BRCS functions as an autonomous, not-for-profit voluntary organization and serves as an auxiliary to the government in the humanitarian field. Over the years, it has steadily expanded its presence across the country, building a nationwide network of nearly 7,000 volunteers and members representing all dzongkhags.
From disaster response and emergency relief to health and social services, BRCS has emerged as a critical pillar of humanitarian support in Bhutan, particularly during times of national crisis.
One of its most widely recognized contributions has been the rehabilitation and management support provided at the Thimphu cremation ground, where Red Cross volunteers continue to assist bereaved families with compassion and dignity during some of their most difficult moments.
The Society also played a pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic, mobilizing volunteers across the country to support national response efforts. BRCS volunteers delivered medicines and essential supplies to vulnerable communities during lockdowns, assisted frontline operations, and helped bridge service gaps during a period of unprecedented disruption.
In recognition of its services during the pandemic, His Majesty The King conferred the Bhutan Red Cross Society with the National Order of Merit Gold during the 114th National Day celebrations in 2021—one of the country’s highest civilian honors.
Guided by the seven fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality—the BRCS has increasingly positioned itself as a people-centered institution rooted in compassion and service.
Its vision emphasizes ensuring that people across Bhutan, regardless of age or gender, are actively engaged in their communities for collective wellbeing and resilience, leaving no one behind.
Over the years, the Society has also built strong partnerships with international humanitarian organizations, including the Swiss Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross Society, Singapore Red Cross Society, Nepal Red Cross Society, Indian Red Cross Society, and several others, helping strengthen institutional capacity and international cooperation.
Tashi Namgyal, Thimphu
