The College of Science and Technology (CST) recently hosted a consultative meeting with representatives associated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of ongoing discussions on developing a competitive project pipeline aimed at supporting the decarbonisation of Bhutan’s road transport sector.
The initiative seeks to promote a transformational shift from fossil-fuel-based transportation toward scalable zero-emission alternatives through a combination of grant financing, public investment, and private-sector participation. The proposed interventions align closely with Bhutan’s national climate commitments and long-term low-emission development goals.
The meeting was attended by President Dr. Cheki Dorji, Prof. Abhishek Agarwal, Ms. Namgay Om, Namgay Choden (UNDP Office), and Mr. Aita Bdr. Subba, along with sustainability consultant Mr. Anders McCarthy, who is supporting stakeholder consultations and exploratory discussions related to the proposed initiative in Bhutan.
Mr. Anders McCarthy shared insights into the broader vision of the initiative, emphasizing the need for scalable and investment-oriented approaches capable of accelerating Bhutan’s transition toward cleaner transportation systems. He also discussed the importance of stakeholder alignment, long-term capacity building, and creating practical pathways that connect policy objectives with implementation-ready technical and institutional frameworks.
During the interaction, Prof. Agarwal shared perspectives on the potential contribution of Mechanical Engineering education and applied research toward sustainable mobility, low-emission technologies, workforce preparedness, and future industry-oriented academic initiatives. The discussions also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and institutional readiness in supporting Bhutan’s emerging sustainability and climate-action priorities.
The consultation further explored opportunities for technical collaboration, research engagement, student involvement, and future partnerships that could contribute toward sustainable transport transitions and green technology innovation in Bhutan.
This engagement reflects CST’s continued commitment to contributing to national development through academic leadership, technical expertise, and meaningful collaboration with national and international stakeholders working toward sustainable and climate-resilient solutions.
