Like many developing nations, Bhutan stands at a crossroads, grappling with the heartbreaking exodus of its youth. This is more than just migration; it is a tale of deferred dreams, unrealized potential, and the loss of a vibrant future generation. At its core, this is not merely an economic crisis—it is deeply human. Bhutan’s youth are leaving because they yearn for something fundamental: security, belonging, and opportunity.
The reality is stark. When young Bhutanese seek opportunities elsewhere, they are not pursuing wealth for its own sake. They are searching for dignity, stability, and life’s simple joys—a home they can call their own, food on the table, access to quality education, reliable healthcare, and the occasional indulgence in modest comforts. Yet, the current GDP-driven economic model has failed to meet these basic needs. Instead, the pursuit of higher income levels without building an inclusive and nurturing system has only deepened the divide between the privileged few and the struggling many. This misguided focus leaves countless young people trapped in a cycle of frustration and despair.
Those with resources rise to unimaginable heights, while others languish under unmet needs. Many youth find themselves stuck in low-paying, uninspiring jobs that offer little hope for escape. For those who dare to dream of entrepreneurship, systemic barriers often crush their ambitions. Seed funding is a distant hope, mentorship is scarce, and institutional support is tangled in bureaucracy. Even promising programs like the Economic Stimulus Plan remain inaccessible to most, requiring equity contributions that are beyond reach. Banks demand collateral that young dreamers simply do not have.
In rural areas, youth migrate to cities, drawn by the promise of opportunity, only to find themselves living in cramped apartments, barely scraping by. Frustration and disillusionment grow as their aspirations outpace the limited opportunities available, leading to systemic inequality that diminishes productivity and fuels mental health challenges.
It is time to think differently and act boldly. The courage to build a society where systemic inefficiencies do not sacrifice dreams is essential. To address youth migration, the root causes must be tackled with both creativity and compassion.
This requires both top-down and bottom-up thinking. While the GDP model relies on global supply chains, the Gross National Happiness model calls for grassroots systems that share wealth and happiness widely. Bhutan, with its unique identity as a carbon-negative nation, can showcase its commitment to Gross National Happiness as a development model for the world.
The government has made significant strides, such as targeting to attract 500 billion Ngultrum in foreign direct investment. Yet, execution has often prioritized large-scale international projects. Platforms like “Invest in Bhutan” highlight ventures in sectors where few Bhutanese have expertise. While these projects may generate jobs, they often come with low wages, long hours, and relocation away from family—a future many young Bhutanese do not aspire to. Chinese economy which opened itself to FDI naively still suffers today with poor working conditions in factories and high Gini coefficient with the top 10% holding more than 67% of the nation’s wealth.
To avoid such dire consequences, an alternative vision is within Bhutan’s reach—one that recognizes every aspiration, no matter how small, as a spark for transformation.
Imagine a platform like “Invest in Bhutan,” where every legitimate Bhutanese entrepreneurial idea is showcased, attracting global impact investors who care about purpose as much as profit instead of just large-scale capital. Large or small investors worldwide, driven by a sense of purpose, could back these projects, knowing they contribute to something meaningful. This would democratize access to funding and support grassroots innovation. Venture capitalists, who prioritize rapid scaling and profits, often overlook small, impactful ideas. Bhutan doesn’t need a system that only rewards sharks; it needs a system that values community, care, and collaboration—a “Druk tank” that nurtures Bhutanese ideals.
Bhutan can create mentorship networks where seasoned professionals, both within and beyond Bhutan, guide youth, nurturing their ideas into realities. Imagine a “social stock exchange” for Bhutan—a place where investments are not just financial but rooted in the shared belief that every idea has the potential to uplift a community. This is not just about economic growth; it’s about empowering people to take control of their futures and creating a society where no one is left behind. With the right support, even the smallest ideas can bloom allowing thousands of them to bloom instead of focusing solely on a few priority projects.
While countries like India and Malaysia are already exploring social stock exchanges, Bhutan has the opportunity to lead by creating a platform that funds social enterprises on a global scale inviting global investors and philanthropists to support social agencies, rural communities, and small businesses.
To truly address the needs of its youth, Bhutan could go even further. Using science and technology and Big Data, a “One Bhutan, One Family” policy could gather data on the needs and aspirations of every household, creating a digital and artificial intelligence (AI) blueprint for targeted, community-driven solutions. Such an initiative would foster a sense of belonging and security, uniting citizens in collective action and giving each household a voice. With insights from this data, Bhutan could craft tailored policies to meet specific needs without merely chasing abstract income benchmarks. The National Digital Identity (NDI) initiative could play a pivotal role in this vision, amplifying aspirations and enabling Bhutan to create policies rooted in evidence.
Imagine knowing that 1,000 citizens need cancer care—partnerships with international hospitals or not-for-profits could provide subsidized treatments, supported by philanthropic funding, saving lives and preventing financial ruin. If data reveals 2,000 youth lack laptops, outreach to companies like Apple or Lenovo or philanthropic funding could bridge the digital divide and empower education. Insights on food insecurity could spark local ventures to distribute nutritious food, creating jobs and strengthening the economy. Similarly, identifying demand for cars could lead to carpooling initiatives or cost-efficient partnerships with manufacturers. If 2,500 youth aspire to higher education but lack funds, Bhutan could partner with global universities for scholarships or establish a national education fund, unlocking opportunities without burdening families with debt.
Even leisure aspirations, such as taking a vacation, could lead to innovative solutions. If data shows that 1,000 Bhutanese families aspire to visit pilgrimage sites or take a nature retreat within Bhutan, local tourism entrepreneurs could be supported to create affordable packages. Alternatively, if international vacations are desired, Bhutan could collaborate with nearby countries like India or Nepal to offer subsidized group tours or cultural exchange programs, possibly supported by regional tourism boards. Programs like instalment-based travel savings plans could also be introduced, making such aspirations attainable without financial strain. These initiatives would not only fulfil personal dreams but also stimulate the local tourism economy and build cultural connections.
The beauty of this approach lies in its data-driven precision. When aspirations are mapped and data shared openly, Bhutan transitions from a reactive state to a proactive one with a digital game plan. Solutions emerge naturally, grounded in collaboration and rooted in Bhutan’s values. Policymaking becomes evidence-based, partnerships are purpose-driven, and resources are allocated with precision and care. Not everyone in Bhutan aspires to—become a high-income earner or a shark. Instead, every Bhutanese wants to live a content, happy, and fulfilling life, achieving their unique aspirations with dignity.
By understanding the specific aspirations of Bhutanese citizens, Bhutan can define collective income targets that reflect the true needs of its society.
To realize this vision, Bhutan must reimagine its economy—not as a system that merely raises GDP, but as one that meets real needs from the bottom-up. The NDI initiative can serve as the backbone of this transformation, providing the data necessary to craft evidence-based policies. Many nations like India with noble vision suffered in the past because of lack of technology to cater to the needs of its burgeoning population. But Bhutan need not go through the same cycle of suffering. It can craft a Mindful Digital Public Infrastructure for its citizens. By decentralizing economic development and empowering rural communities, it can reduce migration pressures and nurture local economies. By fostering entrepreneurship through accessible seed funding, mentorship, and partnerships, it can unlock the creativity and resilience of its people.
In this aspirational path, Bhutan need not emulate the world; it can inspire it. By prioritizing human well-being, fostering inclusivity, and building a real economy that values happiness over wealth, it can create a future that is uniquely its own. With the right tools, the right vision, and the unwavering commitment, Bhutan can rise to this challenge and transform it into an opportunity to let a thousand flowers bloom.
This is Bhutan’s moment. By embracing collaboration, wisdom, and compassion—values that have defined Drukyul for centuries—Bhutan can create a future where every voice is heard, every need is met, and every dream has the chance to flourish. Together, this vision can become a reality,—not just for today, but for generations to come.
Contributed by Andrew Sheng and Sneha Poddar