Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, President of Jigme Singye Wangchuck Law School, officially inaugurated the inaugural session of the Mindful Development Forum (MDF) yesterday at the Centre for Bhutan and Gross National Happiness Studies (CBS) in Thimphu. The two-day event marks a significant step in blending mindfulness practices with development economics to foster sustainable growth and equitable prosperity in Bhutan.
The forum, meticulously organized by the Institute of Happiness (IOH) in partnership with esteemed institutions such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), serves as a collaborative platform for over 40 mid-career students from Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, and MIT, alongside their Bhutanese counterparts. Participants are engaged in exchanging insights, fostering collaborative research, and devising innovative strategies that integrate mindfulness into development frameworks.
In her heartfelt address, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck reflected on Bhutan’s transformative journey from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democratic monarchy. She described this historic transition as a “selfless gift from the throne,” acknowledging the initial hesitance of the people but highlighting the enduring benefits it has brought to the nation. The Princess also spotlighted the pivotal enactment of the Constitution of Bhutan and the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project, both spearheaded by His Majesty The King.
Dr. Karma Ura, PhD, President of the CBS, delivered the keynote address emphasizing the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH). He articulated the forum’s focus on a “mindful development approach” that honors the interconnectedness of all beings. “Virtue is a key component in Buddhism, and human qualities such as compassion and loving-kindness are crucial to achieving it,” Dr. Ura stated, underscoring the philosophical underpinnings of Bhutan’s unique development model.
The first day of the forum featured two pivotal sessions: “GNH and Measuring Beyond GDP” and “Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).” Dr. Pema Dorji, PhD, leader of the Macro-Fiscal team at the Ministry of Finance, critiqued the traditional reliance on GDP as the sole indicator of economic success. He pointed out that some high-GDP countries still grapple with poverty, advocating for holistic development policies that address grassroots needs. “Bhutan has embraced this approach through GNH,” he remarked, highlighting the necessity of improving the livelihoods of farmers, who represent 65 percent of the population, to bridge the gap between GDP per capita and household incomes.
Andi Wang, a PhD candidate in Business Economics at Harvard University, echoed these sentiments by criticizing the global obsession with material growth. He praised Bhutan’s GNH for providing a systematic framework that promotes mindful development, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional economic metrics.
Officials from the IOH revealed that the MDF is inspired by and aligned with three major national initiatives: GNH, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), and the Gyalsung Programme. Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of DHI, provided an overview of the GMC, a sprawling 2,500 square kilometer city project spearheaded by His Majesty The King. “The GMC will be a model city where mindfulness components are exemplified,” Dahal explained. “This city is vital for Bhutan to diversify its economy beyond agriculture, hydropower, and tourism.”
As the forum progresses, it promises to foster meaningful dialogue and innovative solutions that align with Bhutan’s commitment to holistic and sustainable development. The collaboration between local and international scholars underscores Bhutan’s role as a global leader in integrating mindfulness into economic and social policies, paving the way for a harmonious and prosperous future.
