Leading Bhutanese travel specialist Druk Asia has embarked on a significant partnership with the global education organization Inspire Citizens (IC).
This joint initiative aims to curate experiential learning journeys tailored for students and educators.
These programs are being developed in close collaboration with the Museums of Bhutan.
Anchored in IC’s innovative Empathy to Impact Framework, these learning paths seek to foster understanding of the interconnections between culture, economy, and ecology.
Participants will engage in reciprocal learning with local communities, gaining insights into how a society consciously designs policies for overall welfare.
Core to these programs are deep community engagement, meaningful intercultural connections, and active ecological stewardship, nurturing youths to become empathetic global citizens prepared to contribute to a regenerative world.

Making a Difference

Joni Herison, managing director of Druk Asia, commented on the partnership: “Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness illustrates how progress can be regenerative — restoring balance, enriching lives, and strengthening communities. Through our collaboration with Inspire Citizens and the Museums of Bhutan, we can cultivate a new generation of global leaders who will impact cultures and communities meaningfully.”
Tshering Uden Penjor, chief curator of museums for Bhutan’s Department of Culture, emphasized that Bhutan’s culture is not only experienced but also lived, being solidly rooted in human values.
She stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Inspire Citizens to collaborate with us in inspiring youths globally to become Guardians of Culture. In our interconnected world, these educational journeys will provide a model for the future. We hope that both international and Bhutanese students will develop this guardian mindset, fostering regenerative change that elevates communities and ecosystems.”

Training New Guardians of Culture

The programs launched through this partnership will motivate schools and educators to venture beyond traditional classrooms and engage in immersive, real-world learning experiences in the world’s only carbon-negative country.
Central to these journeys are the Museums of Bhutan, dedicated to inspiring a new generation of Guardians of Culture.
Through hands-on experiences and reciprocal service, participants will learn that empathy begins with listening and understanding. They will work alongside Bhutanese youth and cultural practitioners on projects such as:

• Supporting heritage preservation and storytelling initiatives;
• Exploring the blending of culture, creativity, and ecological care;
• Reflecting on shared human values that transcend borders.
  Additionally, a Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan has been established to rejuvenate and improve museum facilities at the National Museum of Bhutan and the Royal Heritage Museum.
  A cornerstone of this initiative is the creation of outdoor venues to encourage connection, learning, and collaboration, fostering a culture of regenerative leadership.