5th International Conference on Occupational and Environmental Health | 27-29 April 2026 | Kingdom of Bhutan

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speakers

Meet Our Speakers

(in alphabatical order)

Dr. Barry Kistnasamy

Public Health Specialist,
South Africa

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Dago Zangmo

Director, Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA), Bhutan

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Damcho Tshering

CEO, D Lhen Pvt. Ltd.,
Bhutan

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Dr. Dechen Wangmo

HOD Ophthalmology, Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Center
Bhutan

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Dr. Deepak Sharma

Medico-Legal Consultant & Advocate,
India

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Ekta Verma

Program Lead, Occupational Health & Worker Well-being, India

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Ishteyaque Ahmad

Lead Participatory Researcher & Agroecology Strategist, India

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Jhumki Dutta

Senior Researcher, Business & Human Rights, India

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Jurmey Thinley

Director and lead OHS Trainer, ITPL,
Bhutan

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Karma Choden

Independent Consultant - Public Health Specialist & Educator

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Karma Chewang

Safety and Mining Professional,
Bhutan

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Karma Dhendup

First Aid Chief Instructor, Bhutan Red Cross Society, Bhutan

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Krishna Subba

Chief Program Officer at the JICA Bhutan,
Bhutan

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Mr. Lham Dorji

Director, Department of Labour,
Bhutan

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Dr. Mahinda Seneviratne

Occupational Hygienist,
Sydney, Australia

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Mohit Gupta

Industrial Hygienist, Occupational and Environmental Health expert,
India

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Dr. Moreshnee Govender​

MBChB, MSc (Ergonomics),
South Africa​

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Dr. Neera Mehta​

Infertility Specialist & Laparoscopic Surgeon,
India​

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Pelden Wangchuk

Audiologist, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Bhutan

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Phuntsho Dendup

Deputy Chief Labour Officer, Dept. of Labour,
Bhutan

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Phuntsho Namgyal

Director General, Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), Bhutan

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Phurpa Yeshi

Civil engineer and Project Manager at Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL), Bhutan

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Phurba Wangmo

Civil Engineer,
Bhutan

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Prabachan Giri

Safety & Environment Officer,
Bhutan​

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Pradeep Narayanan​

Global Advisor, Business & Human Rights | Member, NHRC Core Committee​,
India​

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Ramesh Patel

Founding Member, PTRC & Senior Industrial Safety Specialist, India

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Repon Chowdhury

Secretary-Treasurer Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims (ANROEV), India

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Sanjay Paswan

Operations Lead, Economic Inclusion & Rural Livelihoods, India​

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Sarah Hyder Iqbal

Independent Researcher and Practitioner,
India​

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Sonam Geley Dorjee

Engineer with the Department of Labour,
Bhutan

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Sonam Wangchuk

Executive Director, Construction Association of Bhutan

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Sonam Yangchen

Asst. Program Officer, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bhutan

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Dr. Sunil Mehta

Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist,
India​

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Tandin Dorji

Program Analyst, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Bhutan

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Thinley Pem

Engineer and Safety Officer,
Bhutan

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Thomas H Gassert

Specialist in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, USA

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Tor Erik Danielsen

Specialist in Occupational Medicine,
Norway

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Organisers

Experience the Philosophy of

Gross National Happiness

in the world's only carbon negative country.

join us now at ICOEH 2026

Dr. Barry Kistnasamy

Public Health Specialist, South Africa

Dr. Barry Kistnasamy is a public health specialist (University of Natal, South Africa) with additional training in occupational and environmental health (University of Michigan, USA), health economics and planning (University of York, UK) and health leadership (Cambridge, UK). He has over 30 years’ experience in health policy, health planning and management in the public, non-governmental and private health sectors as well as the provision of occupational health, HIV/AIDS and TB interventions, compensation services and pandemic response. He heads Occupational Health in the Department of Health of South Africa and is the Compensation Commissioner for occupational lung diseases in mineworkers.

Dr. Kistnasamy’s work continues to impact public health in South Africa and internationally, particularly in the areas of occupational health, workers’ compensation, climate change and health and the intersection of technology with healthcare delivery.

Dago Zangmo

Director, Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA), Bhutan

Ms. Dago Zangmo is the Director of the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT).

She holds a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from Yokohama National University, Japan, and is a recipient of the prestigious Humphrey Fellowship in the Special Program in Urban and Regional Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA. With over 18 years of experience as a practicing civil engineer, she has specialized in disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly earthquake and flood risk management, during her tenure at the Department of Engineering Services, MoIT.

In addition to her role as Director of BCTA, she serves as a Board Director at CDCL and as Member Secretary to various governing bodies.

Damcho Tshering

CEO, D Lhen Pvt. Ltd., Bhutan

Mr. Damcho Tshering is the Chief Executive Officer of D Lhen Pvt. Ltd., a seasoned civil engineering and construction professional, and an entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience spanning public service, policy development, and private sector leadership in Bhutan. He holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Jigme Namgyel Engineering College and an MBA from the University of Canberra, blending strong technical expertise with strategic management skills.

He began his career as a Government Engineer (2009–2013), during which he also contributed to academic development under the Royal University of Bhutan. He has been actively involved in national policy reforms, supporting the review and enhancement of Procurement Rules and Regulations (PRR) and Standard Bidding Documents (SBD), including the introduction of e-Tools and e-Government Procurement systems.

Since transitioning to the private sector in 2014, Mr. Tshering has successfully led and delivered a wide range of infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, and water supply systems. He has also held key leadership roles within the Construction Association of Bhutan, serving as District Liaison Chairman and Vice President, where he contributed to industry advocacy and strengthened stakeholder engagement.

Mr. Tshering brings a comprehensive and integrated perspective, combining engineering expertise, policy insight, and business leadership to contribute to the sustainable growth and development of Bhutan’s construction sector.

Dr. Dechen Wangmo

HOD Ophthalmology, Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Center, Bhutan

Dr. Dechen Wangmo is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist and serves as the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Center, which functions as the ophthalmology department of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu, Bhutan. She also holds the designation of Professor and serves as Medical Advisor to HCP Cure Blindness.

Dr. Wangmo is recognized as Bhutan's first pediatric ophthalmologist, having trained through the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP). Her expertise spans pediatric eye care, including management of congenital cataracts, pediatric glaucoma, and childhood blindness. In 2011, she undertook a Low Vision Course in Adelaide, Australia, through Sight For All, and upon returning to Bhutan, she helped establish the country's first disability service for visually impaired adults and children.

Dr. Wangmo has contributed significantly to Bhutan's eye care development through clinical service, surgical outreach camps, and academic training. She has participated in collaborative research, including the 2012 Childhood Blindness Study conducted with Australian ophthalmologists. She continues to advance her expertise through international observerships, most recently completing training in collagen cross-linking and pediatric glaucoma at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal in 2024.

Dr. Deepak Sharma

Medico-Legal Consultant & Advocate, India

Dr. Deepak Sharma, B.A.M.S., LL.B., LL.M., is a distinguished legal professional with a unique interdisciplinary background in both medicine and law. Leveraging his foundation in Ayurvedic medicine alongside advanced legal education, he brings a comprehensive and analytical approach to his practice.

Specializing in criminal law and medical negligence cases, Dr. Sharma is known for his keen understanding of the intersection between healthcare and legal accountability. His dual expertise enables him to effectively handle complex medico-legal matters, offering insightful representation and strategic counsel to his clients.

With a commitment to justice and professional integrity, Dr. Sharma has built a reputation for diligence, clarity, and a client-focused approach, making him a trusted advocate in his field.

Ekta Verma

Program Lead, Occupational Health & Worker Well-being, India

Ekta Verma is a development professional working at the intersection of occupational health and safety, worker well-being, and responsible business practices. With experience in engaging MSMEs and supply chains, she focuses on understanding how workplace conditions - especially for migrant and informal workers - shape health outcomes, access to care, and overall quality of life.

Her work brings a care economy lens to OHS, highlighting the link between working conditions, unpaid care responsibilities, and workforce stability. At Partners in Change, she contributes to research, field-based studies, and capacity-building initiatives that support businesses in adopting worker-centric, inclusive, and sustainable practices aligned with emerging ESG frameworks.

Ishteyaque Ahmad

Lead Participatory Researcher & Agroecology Strategist, India

Ishteyaque Ahmad is a participatory researcher working on issues related to climate change and agriculture. His works are primarily on women and small and marginal farmers of Bihar, India.

He's also part of Regenerative Bihar Collective, a collective of agroecology practitioners, Climate Resilient Agriculture experts and researchers, agroforesters, ecopreneurs and urban consumers.

The collective is engaging with more than 3 thousand farmers from 12 districts of Bihar through knowledge cocreation sessions, participatory action research, capacity building exercises, bargaining & negotiation skill enhancement and theatre of the oppressed methods.

Jhumki Dutta

Senior Researcher, Business & Human Rights, India

Jhumki is a Business and Human Rights researcher working with Partners in Change. Focussing on responsible business conduct, her work centres around the intersection of business accountability, sustainability, and social impact. In the past she has worked on developing sectoral templates for the garment, finance, and ICT sector, as a means for better disclosure by the companies.

In her work, she has tried to ensure that the perspectives, voices and concerns of marginalized communities find a more decisive role for more inclusive and equitable business practices. She has experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, conducting capacity-building workshops, and fostering collaboration among businesses, civil society organizations, and government agencies.

Jurmey Thinley

Director and lead OHS Trainer, ITPL, Bhutan

Jurmey Thinley is the Director and lead OHS Trainer at the Institute of Technology and Professional Learnings (ITPL) in Bhutan. With extensive experience in operations and a deep-seated understanding of the construction industry, he specializes in developing and delivering competency-based training programs that bridge the gap between international safety standards and local industrial practices.

A dedicated advocate for labour protection and workforce development, Mr. Thinley focuses on building national capacity by empowering safety professionals and supervisors with the technical skills necessary to ensure safe, compliant, and productive work environments across the region.

Karma Choden

Independent Consultant - Public Health Specialist & Educator, Bhutan

Ms. Karma Choden is an Independent Consultant specializing in Public Health and Education, with 12 years of experience as a nurse-educator and two years as a freelance consultant. She holds a BSc in Nursing from New Delhi, India, an MPH from the Netherlands, and an MBA from the University of Canberra. Her expertise spans nursing and allied health education, as well as the intersection of environment, climate, and health.

Through her consulting practice, she supports health institutions, educational organizations, and development partners in strengthening health workforce capacity and addressing climate-related health challenges. Her unique combination of clinical education, public health strategy, and business management allows her to deliver integrated, evidence-based solutions that bridge frontline practice with systems-level impact.

Karma Chewang

Safety and Mining Professional, Bhutan

Mr. Karma Chewang is a seasoned safety and mining professional with over 18 years of experience in both mining and quarry operations. He started his career as a Mines Inspector with the Department of Geology and Mines, subsequently served as a Quarry In-charge at NRDCL, and is now serving as the Safety Focal Person at Khothakpa Gypsum Mine under the State Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL).

His qualifications include a Mines Inspector Certificate, along with completed training in Occupational Health and Safety (including a Safety Officer certification in 2023), Mines Foremanship, explosives handling, and marketing. His core expertise encompasses enforcing OHS policies, conducting risk assessments, leading toolbox talks and safety drills, performing environmental monitoring, and maintaining comprehensive safety documentation.

He possesses strong interpersonal communication, teamwork, and adaptability skills, along with basic knowledge of GIS/GPS. Mr. Chewang is deeply committed to a "Safety first" philosophy across all operational activities.

Karma Dhendup

First Aid Chief Instructor, Bhutan Red Cross Society

Karma Dhendup is a seasoned health professional currently serving as the Health Officer and First Aid Chief Instructor at the Bhutan Red Cross Society. With a diverse clinical and academic background, he holds a Masters in Public Health (Implementation Science), a specialized qualification sponsored by WHO-TDR that focuses on bridging the gap between health research and practical field application. Beginning his career as a Cardiovascular Technologist with a Bachelors in Cardiology, Mr. Dhendup combines technical clinical expertise with high-level public health strategy.

In his current leadership role, he oversees vital community health initiatives and serves as the lead authority for first aid instruction in Bhutan. His unique blend of implementation science and emergency response experience makes him a key expert in developing scalable health interventions and strengthening community-based emergency preparedness across the kingdom.

Krishna Subba

Chief Program Officer, JICA, Bhutan

Mr. Krishna Subba serves as the Chief Program Officer at the JICA Bhutan Office, where he strategically oversees the Economic Cooperation Unit’s portfolio, focusing on rural infrastructure, climate change, and digital transformation. With a strong academic background in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration, he has played a pivotal role in supporting the Department of Labour in developing national Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards under the JICA project.

His contributions include the development of comprehensive training modules, accident investigation frameworks, and safety policies aimed at aligning Bhutan’s workplace practices with international standards. These efforts have significantly strengthened the foundation for a standardized and effective approach to workforce safety and protection.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Mr. Subba is a proactive advocate for integrating specialized Japanese safety methodologies into Bhutan’s workforce. He has been instrumental in promoting practices such as the Pointing and Calling system, which minimizes human error through physical and cognitive reinforcement, as well as the 5S principles that foster workplace organization and discipline.

Through his continued engagement with both public and private sectors, Mr. Subba actively champions the advancement of OHS practices in Bhutan, bridging technical expertise with practical, life-saving workplace applications.

Mr. Lham Dorji

Director, Department of Labour, Bhutan

Mr. Lham Dorji serves as the Director of the Department of Labour under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment (MoICE). He has been instrumental in leading national initiatives to modernize labour standards and ensure the safety and wellbeing of Bhutan's workforce. With an extensive background in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and human resource development, Mr. Dorji brings a strategic vision to the ICOEH-2026 conference.

His leadership at the Department of Labour focuses on:
Strengthening OHS Frameworks - Spearheading national policies that align with international safety standards.
Labour Protection: Ensuring fair practices and decent work environments across all sectors in Bhutan. Collaborative Growth: Fostering regional and international partnerships to enhance technical capacity and safety awareness.

As a core member of the ICOEH-2026 organizing team, Mr. Dorji represents the Royal Government of Bhutan's commitment to building resilient and sustainable occupational health and safety systems for a future-ready workforce.

Dr. Mahinda Seneviratne

Occupational Hygienist, Sydney, Australia

Mahinda Seneviratne is a work health strategist with over 25 years’ experience in regulatory enforcement, policy making, investigation, training and research. He is a Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (FAIOH). He has done extensive field work involving exposure monitoring and risk control of physical, chemical and biological hazards in different industries.

Mahinda is a Board Member of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH). He conducted multidisciplinary workshops in Asia and Africa to build capability in basic OH services among those engaging with small-scale enterprises and informal sectors.

Mohit Gupta

Industrial Hygienist and Occupational and Environmental Health expert, India

Mohit Gupta is an Industrial Hygienist and Occupational and Environmental Health expert with over 15 years of experience in India. His work involves research on pollution from the workplaces which impact the workers and communities living in proximity to the factories and mines. He has been part of several medical camps which have been organized to identify victims of occupational lung diseases like Silicosis and Asbestosis in several parts of India.

He has worked extensively on ascertaining the air pollution impact of Thermal Power plants and Coal mines on the surrounding communities. He has been the coordinator of National and Regional networks on Occupational and Environmental Health. He has also participated in professional forums, training programs, and collaborative initiatives related to occupational health and safety at both national and international levels.

Dr. Moreshnee Govender

MBChB, MSc (Ergonomics), South Africa

Moreshnee Govender is a public health specialist with additional training in, health economics and planning (University of York, UK) and ergonomics (University of Lulea).

She was a Senior Lecturer and Research Associate in the School of Public Health at the University of Witwatersrand.

She has experience in health technology, ergonomics and patient safety. This also included training workshops related to Workplace Wellness Programmes, HIV in the Workplace and Health Technology Management in Hospital settings.

Dr. Neera Mehta

Infertility Specialist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, India

Dr. Neera Mehta is the Director of the Department of Gynaecology at Mehta Hospital, Mohali. A highly accomplished obstetrician and gynecologist, she holds an MBBS and MD (Obs Gynae), furthered by specialized international training, including a Diploma in Gynae Endoscopy from the Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, Germany, and a Diploma in Sonology from the Ian Donald School, Croatia.

With over 26 years of extensive experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Dr. Mehta is a recognized expert in infertility and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Her professional leadership is reflected in her roles as an Executive Board Member (EBM) of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), Chandigarh Chapter, and as a former EBM of the Chandigarh Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society.

Dr. Mehta is a Life Member of prestigious medical bodies including FOGSI, COGS, IFS, and ISAR. Her contributions to the field are well-documented through numerous publications in national and international indexed journals, and her commitment to excellence has been recognized with several state-level awards.

Pelden Wangchuk

Audiologist at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Bhutan

Pelden Wangchuk is an Audiologist at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu, Bhutan, serving within the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT). He has specialized training in Audiology Rehabilitation, completed at Mahidol University's Ramathibodi Hospital in Thailand in December 2018 through a UNICEF-supported fellowship . His clinical and research work focuses on hearing loss prevention, occupational audiology, and ototoxicity monitoring. He has conducted significant studies on occupational noise-induced hearing loss among industrial workers in Bhutan, finding a prevalence rate of 27.9% , and has researched hearing impairment in patients undergoing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment, documenting a 45.23% prevalence of ototoxicity . His contributions extend to evaluating workplace-based assessment in medical education and indoor air quality research .

As a key member of the Audiology Unit at Bhutan's national referral hospital, Pelden Wangchuk is actively involved in clinical services, community outreach, and research aimed at strengthening ear and hearing care services across the country.

Phuntsho Dendup

Deputy Chief Labour Officer (Dy CLO) & Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Professional, Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Thimphu, Bhutan

Mr. Phuntsho Dendup is a seasoned senior official with over 19 years of experience in labour administration, occupational health and safety (OSH), and policy development. Currently serving as Deputy Chief Labour Officer and OSH Professional at the Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, he has been instrumental in shaping Bhutan’s workplace safety landscape.

His career is marked by significant contributions to national policy reform. Mr. Dendup served as a Technical Advisor for the development of the National OHS Strategy and played a lead role in the revision and finalization of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2022 and the Regulations on Working Conditions 2022. He pioneered several national firsts, including initiating Bhutan’s first National OHS Seminar (2025), establishing the first Workforce Management Centers, and institutionalizing World Safety Day in Bhutan (2012). His leadership in establishing workplace annual health checkup systems and industrial first aid training has set new benchmarks for employee welfare across industries.

A committed trainer and capacity builder, Mr. Dendup has conducted numerous training programs across the country, equipping safety officers and supervisors with essential skills. Notably, he led the initiative to institutionalize the Safety Officer and Safety Supervisor courses in collaboration with Bhutan qualifications and professional Certification Authority (BQPCA), aligning these programs with the Bhutan Quality Framework for Works (BQFW) to ensure consistent and high-quality safety standards in the construction and industrial sectors.
As a dedicated researcher, Mr. Dendup has made significant contributions to the field of occupational health, with numerous publications in international journals covering topics such as workplace accident epidemiology, occupational noise-induced hearing loss, and gendered perspectives on OHS. His work bridges the gap between policy, practice, and academic insight.

Recognized for his excellence, he was awarded the Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety Leadership Award at the Asian Professional Achievement Awards in 2025. Mr. Dendup holds an MSc in Occupational and Environmental Health from Thammasat University, Thailand, and a Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety from HBA Learning Centres, Australia.

Phuntsho Namgyal

Director General, Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), Bhutan

Phuntsho Namgyal is the Director General of the Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) under Bhutan's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR). With extensive leadership in geoscience, mining, and renewable energy sectors, he provides strategic advice to the Royal Government on minerals, mining, geohazards, and sustainable development while regulating mining enterprises and representing Bhutan at international forums like UNEP and IGF.

A key policy formulator and advisor, Mr. Namgyal drives national initiatives in renewable energy, energy security, and geohazard management. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Board Director for TTPL and STCBL, championing sustainable resource use, clean energy transitions, and achievement of SDG7.

Phurpa Yeshi

Cvil engineer and Project Manager at Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL), Bhutan

Phurpa Yeshi is an experienced Bhutanese civil engineer and Project Manager at Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL), currently leading the Jomori Civil Package-2 for the 90MW Jomori Hydropower Project. With nearly two decades of professional experience since graduating from the College of Science and Technology in 2007, he has played key roles in major hydropower projects including Nikachhu (118MW) and Mangdechhu (720MW), progressing from Junior Engineer to Project Manager. His expertise spans tunnel construction, blasting design, and large-scale project execution, with strong emphasis on safety, environmental compliance, and team leadership.

He has successfully managed complex engineering challenges such as adverse geological conditions and water seepage, while mentoring teams and ensuring timely project delivery. Phurpa is also actively trained in occupational health, safety, and environmental practices, with certifications from national and international programs including JICA, and has been recognized for promoting strong safety culture in hydropower construction projects in Bhutan.

Prabachan Giri

Safety & Environment Officer, Bhutan

Prabachan Giri is a safety and environment professional, currently serving as Safety and Environment Officer at Tashi Metals Private Limited since July 2023.

He holds a Diploma in Social Welfare from Tokyo University of Social Welfare, a Certificate in Japanese Language from Tokyo Society, and a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from Sherubtse College. With over four years of experience in occupational health and safety - including roles as Assistant Safety Officer at B&B Enterprise and Safety Supervisor in Tokyo - he is a certified trainer by the Department of Labor (DoL) and JICA.

He has trained numerous individuals, actively serves as a Dessung, and has received multiple national-level awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation from MOICE in 2025. He is very keen on educating the public on safety and health awareness.

Pradeep Narayanan

Global Advisor, Business & Human Rights | Member, NHRC Core Committee

Pradeep Narayanan has over two decades of experience driving corporate accountability and sustainable practices. He serves on esteemed committees, including Core Committee on Business and Human Rights of the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi, IICA’s Committee on NGRBC sectoral templates for Textiles and Automobile sectors. Supply chain sub-group of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery, UK, and the Asia Pacific Regional Council of the Task Force on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures.

Pradeep is also a member of the Global Initiative on Corporate Accountability, the DiF Panel of the Business and Human Rights Journal (Cambridge University Press), and the International Advisory Board of the Community Development Journal (Oxford University Press).

Ramesh Patel

Founding Member, PTRC & Senior Industrial Safety Specialist, India

Ramesh Patel has a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Faculty of Polytechnic, MSU, Vadodara and has completed Post Diploma in Industrial Safety conducted by the Technical Examination Board. He has worked in large chemical unit producing heavy water handling Hydrogen, Ammonia, Chlorine, Potassium Amide and other chemicals. The job profile helped him understand about industrial safety, accident prevention and unsafe work conditions. He was also a member of the "Plant safety committee" and conducted several training programs.

He has attended several training programs on work related safety, chemical hazards, Noise, heat etc. He was a faculty with Gujarat safety council for conducting safety training program for various types of Industries in Gujarat. He is a life member of the national safety council (NSC), an apex body working on Industrial safety & Industrial work environment.

He is one of the founding members of People Training and Research Centre (PTRC) and has been associated with the Swasthaya Surakha Mandal (SSM). SSM and PTRC have been instrumental in organizing regular meetings to create awareness among industrial workers about safety, accident prevention, Occupational Disease, Factory act and other laws for health and safety at work.

Repon Chowdhury

Secretary-Treasurer
Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims (ANROEV)

Repon Chowdhury is an environmental and occupational safety and health (EOSH) rights advocate and specialist with over two decades of experience at national, regional, and global levels. He focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, advancing rights-based EOSH policies, EOSH governance and promoting climate action, climate-resilient work, and Just Transition for workers across the formal and informal economy and vulnerable communities.

He currently serves as Secretary–Treasurer of the Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims, a regional coalition established in 1997 that brings together EOSH victims’ organizations, trade unions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and labour support groups to advance the rights of victim workers affected by occupational and environmental hazards and promote safer workplaces across Asia. ANROEV’s membership spans 14 countries and territories, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, and Cambodia.

In parallel, he serves as Coordination Lead of the Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation International, providing strategic partnerships and networking actions, mobilization of partnership and development cooperation support to advance EOSH initiatives at regional and international levels. In this role, he actively participates in global policy dialogues and initiatives on EOSH, technical support on promotion of sustainable job, greening initiatives and Just Transition at enterprise and sector level while supporting ANROEV’s activities across Asia.

Mr. Repon has demonstrated sustained leadership in advocating for improved working conditions, EOHS rights, evidence-based policy reform, and grassroots EOSH initiatives. His expertise includes OSH policy development, participatory and worker-centred training, and occupational health protection in industrial production systems. He has led campaigns addressing hazardous materials and occupational diseases, with particular emphasis on the elimination and strict control of hazardous chemical substances, including asbestos.

At the international level, he has served as a technical expert representing workers in key global processes, including advocacy to integrate Just Transition principles into the Paris Agreement, development of the International Labour Organization Technical Guidelines on Biological Hazards (2022), the revised ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Construction (2022), and the Global Framework on Chemicals (adopted in 2023). He has also led the workers’ constituency in the ongoing UN Plastics Treaty negotiations (INC-4 in Ottawa, INC-5 in Busan, and INC-5.1 in Geneva).

Through his work, Repon Chowdhury advances a rights-based, inclusive, and globally coordinated approach to improving healthy and safe working conditions, strengthening tripartism and social dialogue, and enhancing occupational and environmental health and safety at national and regional levels, with a sustained focus on protecting workers and vulnerable communities.

Contact: repon.chowdhury@gmail.com

Sanjay Paswan

Operations Lead, Economic Inclusion & Rural Livelihoods, India

Sanjay Paswan is Operations Lead at The/Nudge Institute, where he leads Economic Inclusion Program in Jharkhand, India, in partnership with government systems. Growing up in a rural community, his work is grounded in a lived understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable HHs.

Over the past 17 yrs, he has worked with ultra-poor and vulnerable communities to strengthen livelihoods, particularly among agricultural wage labourers, smallholder farmers, migrants, and informal workers. His work focuses on building practical, community-led solutions that improve income security, access to services, and resilience in the face of climate and economic challenges.

He has worked with organisations such as the World Bank, Praxis, Digital Green, and government partners across India and South Asia. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

Sarah Hyder Iqbal

Independent Researcher and Practitioner, India

Dr Sarah Hyder Iqbal is an independent researcher and practitioner working to shape a research and innovation ecosystem that is more socially responsive and inclusive, with a focus on widening who gets to engage with and influence it.

Based in India, Sarah’s current work spans science communication, AMR advocacy, youth education, inclusive STEM, community-led research, and building communities of practice across India and the wider Global South that deepen equitable public and policy engagement with science and health research.

Sarah has created and led pioneering science engagement programs at organisations such as the funding agency DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance and the policy think tank Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India).

She also leads initiatives like the youth-focused Superheroes Against Superbugs and the citizen engagement platform Science in Your City, using creative and accessible approaches to make science feel relevant and rooted in everyday life. Sarah holds a PhD in Biochemistry from University of Oxford and is a UK Chevening Fellow.

Sonam Geley Dorjee

Engineer with Department of Labour, Bhutan

Sonam Geley Dorjee works as an engineer with the Department of Labour, where he conducts workplace inspections and enforces Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance across industries.

He is also an OHS trainer, having trained over 4000 individuals - including safety officers, construction supervisors, employers, and workers.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, he has contributed to the development of OHS regulations, training modules, accident investigation frameworks, and safety policies. He also applies innovative approaches, including drone technology, to enhance inspections in high-risk environments.

Sonam Wangchuk

Executive Director of the Construction Association of Bhutan

Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, the Executive Director of the Construction Association of Bhutan, brings over 27 years of professional experience in public service and bureaucracy, contributing significantly to policy development, institutional strengthening, and sectoral reforms in Bhutan.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, a Master’s Degree in Business Management, and a Master’s Degree in Public Management from the University of Canberra, Australia. His multidisciplinary academic background, combined with extensive leadership experience on Public Health with a strong foundation in Occupational Health, Safety Governance, Organizational Management, and Public Sector Leadership.

Throughout his career, He has been actively engaged in promoting workplace safety, strengthening construction sector standards, and advocating for sustainable and safe working environments in Bhutan. His leadership at the Construction Association of Bhutan has contributed to advancing Occupational Health and Safety Awareness, Policy Dialogue, and Industry best practices.

Sonam Yangchen

Asst. Program Officer, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bhutan

With over a decade of experience as a Community Health Worker in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Thromde Health Centre, I have contributed extensively to the delivery of primary healthcare services. Since January 2025, I have been serving under the Environmental Health Program within the Noncommunicable Disease Division, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health.

My current work focuses on initiatives and projects that address environmental determinants of human health, supporting efforts to promote public health and prevent disease.

Dr. Sunil Mehta

Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist and Managing Director, Mehta Hospital, Kharar (Mohali), India

Dr. Sunil Mehta is the Managing Director of Mehta Hospital, Kharar (Mohali), and a distinguished leader in the field of pediatrics. With an MBBS and MD in Paediatrics, he brings decades of clinical expertise and administrative leadership to the healthcare sector.

A committed advocate for organized pediatrics, Dr. Mehta currently serves as the President of the Sahibzada Academy of Paediatrics, Mohali (2024-25), having previously held the roles of Secretary and Advisor within the same institution. His leadership extends to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), where he served on the Executive Board for the Chandigarh chapter in 2003 and 2021.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Mehta is a passionate educator and trainer. He is a recognized trainer in the IAP’s SSS program and vaccinology, and has spearheaded numerous workshops on critical topics including Early Childhood Development (NC-ECD), ILEAP, and GEME. An accomplished academic, he has contributed to the medical community through various publications in national and international journals, while remaining deeply involved in local social and community health initiatives.

Tandin Dorji

Program Analyst, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Bhutan

Mr. Tandin Dorji currently serves as a Programme Analyst for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Quality Council under the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA), Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Royal Government of Bhutan. He is responsible for strengthening and overseeing TVET quality assurance systems in the country, ensuring alignment with national standards and international best practices.

He has previously served as a Curriculum Officer, Project Manager, and Employment Officer under the erstwhile Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, contributing to the development of competency-based education and training. He has worked closely with relevant stakeholders to streamline Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training in TVET institutes, including the development of guidelines, course curricula, and the delivery of Training of Trainers (ToT) programs. With extensive experience in TVET, he has served as a Lead Facilitator in areas such as workplace competency assessment, accreditation, quality management systems, entrepreneurship development, and leadership.

Mr. Tandin is a Certified ISO 9001 Quality Auditor and a Certified Lead Trainer under CEFE International. He holds diverse technical and professional qualifications in education, training, and management, and continues to contribute to strengthening the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of the TVET system in Bhutan.

Thinley Pem

Engineer and Safety Officer, Bhutan

Thinley Pem is a motivated Engineer and Safety Officer with hands-on experience in construction site supervision and the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.

Since June 2016, she has been working with KD Gongphel Builders, where she oversees daily construction activities to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications, enforces OHS policies on site, and coordinates with clients and consultants for smooth project execution.

She holds a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Chitkara University and is skilled in Construction Project Management, OHS Compliance, and Leadership and Team Management. Thinley is fluent in English, Dzongkha, and Hindi.

Thomas H Gassert

MD, MSc, FACOEM
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, USA

Doctor Gassert specializes in Occupational & Environmental Medicine and Internal Medicine, and before medicine was an industrial hygienist, NGO co-founder, secondary school teacher, and factory worker. He has been affiliated for 30 years with the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health. Prior affiliations have been with the medical schools of Harvard, Dartmouth, Boston University, and University of Massachusetts, and some of their hospitals. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at Johns Hopkins University and an MSc in Occupational Hygiene at the University of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His undergraduate study at University of San Francisco, California, was in child psychology and education. Prior to medicine, Dr. Gassert taught high school in Micronesia from 1975-77. He later worked in Asia, based in Hong Kong 1980-85, where he co-founded and directed an Asia regional NGO tracking industries, labour conditions, and environmental issues, and developed a project on chemical hazards in Asia with focus on industries, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. This, in part, resulted in his authoring a 410-page Handbook on Health Hazards in Electronics in 1985, published in English and Chinese.

Dr. Gassert has provided health services in many industries to prevent and care for worker injuries, illnesses and disabilities due to hazards, including chemicals, pesticides, gases, toxic dusts and metals, air pollution, infectious agents, radiation, physical harm, psychosocial hazards, workplace violence, and emergency events. He has helped persons with special needs or disabilities to achieve and maintain safe work ability.

Abroad, he's provided technical consultation to the World Health Organization, and support of NGOs. For instance, he helped a South Korean team with a goal to establish a national poison control center with toxicovigilance, the WHO on global migrant labour, and for WHO in Lao PDR by preparing a zero-draft of a national Occupational Heat Exposure Standard for all outdoor workers and a Guideline for its implementation in that country.

His current focus is to promote understanding and solutions for what he sees as five crisis challenges for Planetary Health, leaving no one behind: climate change mitigation and adaptation in communities and workplaces; global burden of worker disease and death; emerging pandemics; migration related to armed conflicts and climate; and ensuring ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Tor Erik Danielsen

Specialist in Occupational Medicine, Norway

Professional Summary
Over 38 years of relevant experience as a physician and occupational health specialist in various roles across public and private sectors. Extensive scientific and academic contributions in occupational health, including international publications, teaching, and advisory roles.

Scientific Competence
• Presented posters and papers at international congresses in the USA, France, Sweden, Zimbabwe, and Singapore (1992–2000)
• First author of five international peer-reviewed publications
• Contributor to Nordic Occupational Health Meetings and EPICOH (2004–2005, 2021)
• Articles in Ramazzini journal (2010–2022)
• Collaboration with Indian colleagues on improving working conditions for welders (2014–present)
• Speaker at Modernet (2020), Healthy Buildings (2021), and EPICOH (2021, digital)
• Numerous co-authorships on occupational health topics

Work Experience
2022–present: Avonova Helse – Chief Medical Officer
2015–present: Norwegian Medical Association – Coordinator for Occupational Medicine Mentorship Program (20% position)
2016–2022: Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority – Senior Medical Officer, Project Lead in work hours, chemicals, accidents, occupational diseases
2009–2016: Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål – Section Head and Senior Consultant, Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2006–2009: Nordea Bank Norge ASA – Occupational Physician, later Department Head
2000–2005: Rikshospitalet, Oslo – Researcher and Consultant, Occupational and Environmental Medicine
1996–1999: STAMI, Oslo – Assistant Physician, Occupational Medicine Residency
1993–2000: Dagbladet A/S, Oslo – Occupational Physician
1990–1997: Telemark Central Hospital – Medical Research Fellow, Welding Fume Exposure Study
1988–1989: Directorate of Labour Inspection, Oslo – Junior Physician

Education 2004: BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo – Executive Master Program in Leadership (CSR & Scenario Learning)
2002: Norway, Oslo – Certified Specialist in Occupational Medicine
2000: University of Oslo – PhD in Medicine (Thesis: Welding and Lung Cancer)
1988: University of Birmingham – Introductory Course in Occupational Medicine
1980–1986: University of Oslo – Cand.med. (MD)

Phurba Wangmo

Engineer with Department of Labour, Bhutan

Ms. Phurpa Wangmo is a Civil Engineer (BTech, NIILM University, 2017–2021) with strong expertise in project planning, cost estimation, tendering, technical specification writing, rate analysis, and occupational health and safety. Since October 2023, she has been working as a Planning & Monitoring Engineer at Penjor Construction Private Limited, where she oversees ongoing projects, prepares monthly progress reports, manages tendering, ensures worker safety, and monitors project timelines and budgets. Previously, she served as a Site Engineer at Galaxy Builders, STCBL, and CDCL, gaining hands-on experience in site inspection, supervising construction works, preparing RA bills, ensuring quality standards, and mentoring staff. She has also completed internships with CDCL and THP, Druk Green.

Ms. Wangmo has supplemented her practical experience with relevant training, including a Certification as Construction Safety Supervisor (Ministry of Labour & JICA, 2025) and Employability Skills for Engineers (Athang Training Academy, 2022). She has attended the UNESCO International Symposium on Knowledge Engineering (IIT Delhi, 2019) and the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Hydropower Development in the Himalayas (Paro, 2025).

Her CV reflects a dedicated professional seeking to leverage her technical, managerial, and communication skills to contribute to organizational growth while advancing her own career development.

Dawa Penjor

Civil Engineering Professional, Bhutan

Mr. Dawa Penjor is a Bhutanese civil engineering professional with a diploma from the Royal Bhutan Polytechnic (1983–1985). Born in November 1964, he has built a diverse career spanning both the public and private sectors over nearly four decades. His experience includes early roles as a Section Officer and Assistant Engineer with Bhutan’s Public Works Department and Department of Road, followed by extensive entrepreneurial work as a promoter in construction, stone quarrying, surface collection, and dredging.

In recent years (2023–2026), Mr. Penjor has continued to stay active in the field, working as a Site Engineer for private building construction, a Promoter for Dorji Draktshen Enterprise, and most recently as a Safety Officer at Jabab Construction Private Limited. His career reflects a strong blend of technical site engineering, business development in resource extraction, and now a focus on construction safety.