11:53 am The GMC will become the Vajrayana Buddhist capital of the world – Bjarke Ingels
11:20 am – Bjarke Ingels of BIG presents the design and architecture of the GMC at the Bhutan Innovation Forum.
10:45 am – In 1946, there was no car, so there was no need for traffic lights. Life expectancy was less than 50 years. It was a hard life, agrarian communities and farmers living in the mountains; it was not easy. It is still not easy. What Bhutan has done in terms of per capita income has been impressive. Life expectancy has increased enormously. The real success is that they have done this without destroying their society, and this is something they want to continue doing that.
– Professor Joseph E Stiglitz, Economist, Nobel Laureate
10:37am – “Seventy years ago, we were not at the planetary boundary. In the last 70 years, GDP has increased fifteen-fold and population has increased three-fold. We are at a point where we are straining—the global planetary boundaries. That’s why sustainability theme of the forum is so important.”
– Professor Joseph E Stiglitz, Economist, Nobel Laureate
10:35 am – How can GMC help the entire country?
Design experimentation is vital. Joint ventures and knowledge transfer is crucial for significant change – Joseph Stiglitz
10:25 am – In Bhutan, there has not been a good match between skills and opportunities – Professor Joseph Stiglitz
10:24 am – Discussion of Knowledge Society with Professor Joseph Stiglitz
Professor Joseph Stiglitz visited Bhutan:
1. 1998- As WB Economist. He also brought his son and they did three day trekking.
2. 2010- Visited Punakha, Paro, and Gangtey
3. 2012 – Visited Thimphu and Paro.
4. 2014- Visited Paro and Thimphu
10:18 am –“This forum gives us the unique opportunity to brainstorm ideas—bold ideas that push the frontiers of our imagination as we join hands to pursue His Majesty’s vision for a mindful happy and prosperous Bhutan. Indeed, Bhutan’s development journey has been uniquely shaped by the innovations and foresight of enlightened monarchs who have consistently prioritised enhancing the happiness of the and well-being of their people. This philosophy is embodied in the concept of Gross National Happiness, which seeks to balance economic growth with social progress, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability and good governance.”
– Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Welcome Address, Bhutan Innovation Forum
10:11 am –“This is easily the biggest conference we have conducted. This is also easily the most important conference of Bhutan…This forum is more than a conference; it is a platform for dialogue and collaboration that will propel us towards a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future.”
– Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Welcome Address, Bhutan Innovation Forum
9:38 am – Opening Announcements by Mark Lobel and Samantha Simmonds, BBC News Presenters.
Samantha Simmonds is an experienced journalist and broadcaster with over 20 years in the news industry. She currently presents on BBC News, including the influential “The Briefing” and “Sunday Politics” on BBC 1. Additionally, she hosts the “One to One” series on BBC Radio 4 and has her own podcast titled “It’s a Grown Up Life.”
Mark Lobel is an experienced journalist for Daily and Sunday Politics, with over a decade at the BBC. He started as a producer on the Daily Politics and has also worked on Newsnight and served as the BBC’s Nigeria Correspondent. Mark has reported on major events worldwide, including natural disasters in Pakistan and political unrest in the Middle East, and has faced challenges like detention during assignments.