Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy

It was launched in 2008 coinciding with the country's first government elections,[1] which heralded a new era of self-governance following the abdication of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

[2] The stated mission of BCMD is to "nurture democracy in Bhutan through civic engagement, public discourse and media literate citizens".

[3] In December, 2016 King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck recognized the significant role being played by CSOs in the new democracy, awarding 22 National Orders of Merit (gold), to organisations that provided such non-government services as gender, governance, environment and media.

[4][5] BCMD, as the first CSO, has been described as a demonstration of the role this sector could play in the developing country, by "encouraging young people, teachers and local leaders to act as bridge to strengthen civic engagement".

[5] Programs include school media clubs, teacher training, photography workshops, video skills, community mapping of problems and resources, training rural groups in podcasting, holding forums for discussions on issues affecting Bhutanese society and facilitating dialogue at every level of society.