Second Shabto Programme Mobilises 7,050 Volunteers in Gelephu
Gelephu, Bhutan — September 2025 — As Bhutan advances plans to develop Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), thousands of volunteers from across the country have joined a nationwide effort to support the project through the Shabto Volunteer Programme, contributing voluntary service in preparation for the future city.
Shabto — Bhutan’s tradition of voluntary community service — has mobilised citizens from across the country to take part in early work preparing the landscape and infrastructure connected with one of Bhutan’s most significant development initiatives.
This article is part of an ongoing series documenting the Shabto volunteer programmes supporting the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
His Majesty Joins Nationwide Volunteer Programme
The second round of the Shabto Volunteer Programme, held from September 4 to 8, 2025, brought together 7,050 volunteers to support the development of public spaces across Gelephu Mindfulness City.
His Majesty The King joined the volunteers, working alongside participants contributing Shabto in various locations across the GMC area.
Participants included residents of Gelephu and surrounding communities, as well as Gyalsups and Desuups. Volunteers also travelled from other parts of the country, including Members of Parliament, representatives of government agencies, the Judiciary, state-owned enterprises under Druk Holding and Investments, the Bhutan Red Cross, NGOs, and community groups.
Participants came from locations including Tsirang, Dagana, Pemathang, Phuentsholing, Trong, Mendrelgang, and Nganglam, reflecting strong nationwide interest in contributing to the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Developing Parks and Public Spaces
The programme was organised following overwhelming public interest from citizens who wished to participate in building Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Volunteers worked under the guidance of coordinators and technical teams to help prepare areas designated for parks and public spaces within the future city.
Activities included clearing land, installing benches, setting up water points and sanitation facilities, and beautifying several sites within the GMC area.
These efforts represent an important step in shaping the public spaces that will form part of the future city’s urban landscape.
A Growing National Effort
The second Shabto programme highlighted the growing national participation supporting the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
By bringing together volunteers from across Bhutan, the programme demonstrates the strong public commitment to supporting the long-term vision for the project.
His Majesty expressed appreciation to the volunteers, noting that their service reflects the collective aspiration of the Bhutanese people to create a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.
As the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City progresses, the Shabto Volunteer Programme continues to reflect Bhutan’s tradition of collective service in support of national development.
Elżbieta Jabłońska
Bhutan Poland Friendship Society
