Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) has taken a significant step toward shaping a new kind of economic future with the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Fourth Sector Group (4SG), an international platform dedicated to reimagining economic systems around human and planetary wellbeing.
The collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in building a for-benefit economic ecosystem within the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region. By aligning sustainability, innovation, and the principles of Gross National Happiness, the partnership aims to position Bhutan as a global centre for purpose-driven development.
For-benefit enterprises, often described as the “fourth sector” of the economy, bridge the traditional divide between private business, public institutions, and nonprofit organisations. These enterprises are designed to generate financial value while intentionally delivering positive social and environmental outcomes, ensuring that growth benefits communities, culture, and nature alike.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, GMC Governor Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering said the partnership reflects His Majesty’s vision of establishing a new economic gateway for Bhutan—one that balances prosperity with cultural preservation and ecological stewardship. He noted that Gelephu Mindfulness City is envisioned not merely as an urban development project, but as a living model of how economies can thrive while remaining deeply rooted in values and wellbeing.
Under the agreement, The Fourth Sector Group will work closely with GMC to provide strategic guidance on ecosystem design and support innovative financing approaches tailored to for-benefit enterprises. The collaboration also includes capacity-building initiatives, leadership development programmes, and advisory support on policy and regulatory innovation. As part of its long-term commitment, 4SG will establish a representative office in Gelephu Mindfulness City to anchor ongoing cooperation.
Observers see the partnership as a milestone in the evolution of GMC’s emerging economic model. It reinforces Bhutan’s broader commitment to pioneering sustainable and inclusive development pathways, offering a compelling alternative to conventional growth models.
As Gelephu Mindfulness City continues to take shape, the alliance with The Fourth Sector Group signals Bhutan’s intent to lead globally in demonstrating how economic progress can be aligned with wellbeing, responsibility, and shared value for present and future generations.
