The PEMA

Dasho Dechen Wangmo recently delivered a keynote address at the Multi-Country Conference on 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲’𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 (CYPMH) Systems and Services in the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region - WHO SEARO, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Drawing inspiration from Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s unwavering stewardship and advocacy for the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, Dasho Dechen shared the work of the 𝐏𝐄𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭 and highlighted the significant gaps that continue to exist across the 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗢 region in for child and adolescent mental health services.

She emphasized the urgent need for greater investment in responsive mental health systems, stronger community-based services, and the development of a skilled mental health workforce to meet the growing needs of children and young people across South-East Asia.

𝙄𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨, Dasho Dechen reminded participants:

“Behind every statistic is a face, a family, and a future. Our responsibility is not merely to treat mental illness; our responsibility is to create the conditions in which every child and every young person can flourish.”

She concluded with a powerful call to action:

“Together, let us build systems that listen. Communities that care. Schools that nurture. Families that support. And societies where every child and every young person knows they are valued”

UNICEF
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Uzbekistan
Kuensel
BBS

As the morning sun cast its first rays upon the roof of one of the oldest temples in the country, the Changangkha Lhakhang, a hundred butter lamps kindled their radiance from within, illuminating the sacred space with warmth and devotion.

The gentle resonance of prayers soon filled the altar room as the Board Members and staff of The PEMA gathered in solemn celebration of the birth anniversary of the institution’s founder, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen. Amid the fragrance of incense and the flicker of butter lamps, prayers of Lungta and Tsedup were made, carrying heartfelt prayers for the long life, good health, and continued wellbeing of Her Majesty.

The occasion was not only one of celebration, but also a moment of collective reflection of Her Majesty’s compassionate leadership, unwavering dedication, and the vision that gave birth to The PEMA.

The celebrations continue into the evening, bringing together the wider PEMA family for cultural programs, which will be preceded by a sacred KaGo and Tshe-wang bestowed by the venerable Dorji Lopen Rinpoche.

BBS
Kuensel
The Bhutanese

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