A groundbreaking international conference on human development, rooted in Bhutan’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), opened at Dungkar Dzong in Paro. The event was graced by Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Patron of the Tarayana Foundation, who delivered the keynote address.
The two-day conference, titled “Operationalising Gross National Happiness in Bhutan and Beyond: Catalysing Mindsets and Technologies for Well-Being-Centred, Village-Led Development,” brings together thinkers, practitioners, and leaders from around the world. Their shared goal: to reimagine development through a lens that integrates inner transformation with innovative systems in education, finance, design, and technology.
Co-organised by the Tarayana Foundation and the Georgetown Institute of Open and Advanced Studies (GIOAS), in collaboration with the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies, DHI Innotech, and Dungkar Estate, the event also celebrates the 70th birth anniversaries of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Beyond GDP: A Call for Holistic Development
In her keynote address, Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck reaffirmed Bhutan’s GNH vision, which prioritizes human dignity, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability over conventional economic growth metrics.
“The GNH vision, rooted in the belief that true progress goes beyond economic growth, has been made measurable by the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies,” she said.
Reflecting on the 22-year journey of the Tarayana Foundation, Her Majesty described how community-driven development anchored in compassion and collaboration has transformed lives across Bhutan.
“Our approach honours tradition, amplifies local wisdom, and uses modern solutions for sustainable progress,” she noted, adding that this philosophy has not only alleviated poverty but also empowered communities to lead their own development.
Her Majesty highlighted the power of combining ancient wisdom with digital tools and the need for physical and financial infrastructure that supports well-being and equity. “We need mechanisms that give economic weight to the good being done in the world,” she said. “When well-being is at the centre of development, resources will flow toward transformation—inviting others to join this movement for change.”
A Confluence of Perspectives
The conference features case studies from Bhutan and beyond, showcasing how regenerative economics, ecological design, and culturally grounded innovation can help build resilient, inclusive communities.
Prominent speakers at the event echoed Her Majesty’s message.
Khenpo Choten Dorji of the Zhung Dratshang’s Monastic Council reminded participants that lasting happiness comes from inner peace and ethical living, not material wealth. “Without this spiritual foundation, material progress alone cannot bring fulfillment,” he said.
Dasho Karma Ura, President of the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies, explained how Bhutan’s development model gives concrete expression to values like sustainability and equality through concepts such as sufficiency and parity. “The GNH methodology provides statistical clarity to ideas that are otherwise difficult to quantify,” he said.
Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, chairman of GIOAS, offered a global perspective, arguing that the international focus on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has overlooked deeper human needs. “GDP is just a part of a much larger whole in human society,” he said. “The GNH model is holistic and sustainable—and it is time the world pays attention.”
A Vision for the Future
At its heart, the conference seeks to inspire new ways of thinking about progress—ways that honour both tradition and innovation, spirituality and science. As Bhutan shares its homegrown development philosophy with the world, leaders and communities alike are invited to consider a bold premise: that happiness, well-being, and human dignity are not byproducts of development, but its very foundation.
