A two-day forum in the capital this week brought together global academics and professionals to examine a concept that challenges conventional ideas of growth and profit: Buddhist Capitalism.
Organised by the Institute of Happiness (IOH), the gathering convened delegates from Harvard Business School alongside participants affiliated with institutions such as MIT. At its core, the forum sought to explore how economic systems might better integrate wisdom, well-being and long-term value creation, rather than focusing narrowly on financial returns.
Discussions drew inspiration from Bhutan’s evolving development vision, particularly the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, which aims to blend economic vitality with environmental stewardship, cultural integrity and human flourishing. Speakers and participants examined how such principles could inform business practices, education systems and policy frameworks in a rapidly changing global economy.
A recurring theme was Gross National Happiness, Bhutan’s guiding development philosophy, and its relevance in an age shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Sessions explored how emerging technologies could either erode or enhance human well-being, depending on the values embedded in their design and deployment.
According to organisers, the forum was designed not only as an intellectual exchange but also as a platform for building lasting networks. By engaging international participants with Bhutan’s economic roadmap, IOH hopes to foster collaborations that align innovation with ethical purpose.
This marked the 17th major event organised by the Institute of Happiness, which has gained international recognition in recent years. A case study based on its work is currently taught in Harvard Business School’s global emerging markets programme, reflecting growing academic interest in Bhutan’s alternative development model.
The forum also served as the launchpad for the 17th Harvard Bhutan Winter Trek, scheduled for January 2026, further strengthening educational and cultural ties between Bhutan and leading global institutions.
As debates around sustainability, inequality and the social impact of technology intensify worldwide, the Thimphu forum underscored Bhutan’s continuing effort to position happiness and mindfulness not as abstract ideals, but as practical foundations for economic life.
