Bhutan is laying the groundwork for a thoughtful and inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem, with policymakers, technologists, and civil society increasingly aligned on how the country can adopt AI in ways that reflect national values and long-term development goals.
At a recent workshop on artificial intelligence, participants highlighted both the promise of AI and the practical steps needed to unlock its full potential. A key theme was the importance of improving access to public data, widely seen as a foundational requirement for building accurate, effective AI models. While current data availability remains limited, the discussion signaled growing awareness and momentum toward strengthening Bhutan’s data infrastructure.
Innovators working on real-world applications see significant opportunities ahead. Sonam Wangchuk of Greenchain AI pointed to agriculture as a sector where AI could deliver meaningful benefits, from smarter farming practices to improved sustainability. He noted that better data-sharing mechanisms would accelerate innovation and allow local solutions to scale more quickly.
Equally encouraging was the strong focus on ethics and governance. Workshop participants emphasized that Bhutan has an opportunity to proactively shape how AI is used, rather than reacting to challenges after they emerge. Issues such as deepfakes, misinformation, and data misuse were discussed as areas where clear guidelines can build trust and protect citizens while still encouraging innovation.
Nim Dorji underscored the value of developing more detailed and forward-looking data protection measures, suggesting that well-defined ethical AI standards could position Bhutan as a regional example of responsible technology adoption.
These discussions closely align with Bhutan’s National AI Strategy, which already outlines a clear roadmap for progress. The strategy identifies areas for improvement—such as strengthening data management practices, reducing institutional silos, and enhancing oversight—while also proposing solutions rooted in inclusivity and accountability.
Notably, the strategy places human well-being, equity, environmental sustainability, and strong data privacy at the centre of AI development. This values-based approach reflects Bhutan’s broader development philosophy and offers a strong foundation for building public confidence in emerging technologies.
As Bhutan continues its AI journey, the convergence of policy vision, ethical commitment, and growing technical capacity signals a positive trajectory. With continued collaboration and investment, artificial intelligence has the potential to become a powerful tool in advancing sustainable development and improving lives across the country.
