KP Sharma
The highly anticipated Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF), set to take place from October 1 to 3 at Dungkar Dzong in Pangbisa, Paro, will bring together some of the brightest minds from around the globe to explore the intersections of mindfulness, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability as Bhutan embarks on the ambitious project of creating the world’s first mindfulness city in Gelephu.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned by His Majesty the King, will blend civil infrastructure, green technologies, and mindful innovation to create a community rooted in harmony, well-being, and happiness.
His Majesty the King announced the establishment of GMC on 17 December 2023.
This ground-breaking project aims to not only transform Bhutan’s economy but also enhance its engagement in international markets while generating future opportunities for Bhutanese people.
According to GMC’s official website, the city is an innovative urban development project that integrates economic growth with principles of mindfulness, holistic living, and sustainability.
Located strategically at the intersection of South Asia, ASEAN, and China, GMC will capitalise on Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development, its rich cultural heritage, and its strong governance framework. This positioning is expected to establish GMC as a global leader in mindful and sustainable urban development.
The GMC will be a sanctuary for global businesses and professionals who seek to combine sustainability, spiritual wellbeing, and commercial success. The project will proceed based on the philosophy of “Building with Nature” so that related structures are integrated with their pristine surroundings.
Spanning over 2,500 square kilometres in and around Gelephu in the Sarpang district, the city will attract businesses and professionals looking to thrive in an environment that harmonises economic success with environmental and spiritual values.
The GMC’s development will focus on seven core economic clusters—spirituality, health and wellness, education and knowledge, green energy or tech industries, finance, agritech and forestry, and airport economy.
In addition, the BIF serves as a platform to generate ideas and map out pathways to bring this ambitious vision to life.
During the three-day event, leading global thinkers will discuss how Bhutan can evolve into a knowledge-based economy, where mindful innovation aligns with holistic well-being and economic progress.
The speakers and discussions will also explore the connections between art, technology, and mindful entrepreneurship, emphasising investments that promote sustainability.
According to the event organiser, more than 70 distinguished speakers are expected to speak at the event, covering diverse topics such as integrating mindfulness into education and leadership, leveraging blockchain for knowledge economies, utilising AI in digital services and governance, promoting environmental, social and governance investments for climate resilience, and developing carbon markets for sustainable growth.
The speakers are expected to deliver presentations and engage in various panel discussions on different broad-based themes each day, starting with mindfulness and innovation on the first day, followed by innovation and entrepreneurship on the second day, and concluding with entrepreneurship and sustainability on the third day.
The registration for the BIF has attracted a significant number of Bhutanese and international participants from the initial months.
With over 750 Bhutanese registrations in the first few months and limited seats at the venue, the BIF organiser has announced that it can accommodate only about 450 Bhutanese and 500 international participants.