Bhutan has set its sights on harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate economic growth and achieve its national development goals. In a bold step toward digital transformation, the government has launched the AI for Development Workshop, a two-day event designed to craft strategies for effectively integrating AI into key sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, and tourism.
The workshop, which brings together experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, the Eurasia Group, and G42, marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s efforts to embrace emerging technologies. Its findings will be presented at the upcoming UN General Assembly, signaling Bhutan’s ambition to position itself as a forward-thinking nation in the digital era.
Prime Minister Lotay Tshering emphasized that AI will play a transformative role across all sectors of the economy. “The strategy is only the beginning. We now need to invest in digital infrastructure, skills, and innovation. No country can do this alone, which is why partnerships are crucial. We are optimistic that AI will unlock economic opportunities and attract new investments,” he said.
The GovTech Agency is currently drafting Bhutan’s first National AI Strategy, which will outline how AI can be applied to education, healthcare, and disaster management. The Prime Minister highlighted specific opportunities in other critical sectors:
- Hydropower – AI will enhance operational efficiency, improve maintenance processes, and strengthen monitoring systems.
- Agriculture – AI-powered tools can boost crop productivity, optimize farming decisions, and improve food security, offering farmers data-driven insights and smart solutions.
- Tourism – AI can elevate visitor experiences while supporting Bhutan’s “high-value, low-impact” tourism model.
Beyond economic benefits, AI is expected to revolutionize public service delivery, making governance more efficient and responsive.
However, the discussions also acknowledged the risks of unregulated AI systems. Experts stressed the need for responsible and ethical deployment to ensure that technological progress benefits society as a whole.
The workshop, a direct outcome of the Prime Minister’s February visit to Dubai, continues tomorrow with sessions dedicated to aligning AI initiatives with Bhutan’s broader development goals.
“Our digital transformation journey is guided by the belief that technology should uplift the well-being of our people and drive sustainable development for future generations,” the Prime Minister concluded.
