Nestled amidst the ethereal landscapes of the Himalayas, Bhutan has long stood as a sanctuary of serenity, introspection, and environmental stewardship. This kingdom, steeped in profound spiritual and cultural heritage, is now embarking on an audacious journey—one that transcends conventional urban development paradigms. The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project is not merely an infrastructure initiative but a visionary manifesto that integrates sustainability, mindfulness, and societal well-being into the very fabric of urban living.

An Odyssey to Bhutan: The Road Less Traveled

Reaching Bhutan is no facile endeavor, and my journey was emblematic of this challenge. It comprised Zurich to Dubai, Dubai to Kolkata, and finally, Kolkata to Paro. The multi-leg voyage underscored the kingdom’s geographical seclusion, which, paradoxically, serves both as a fortification against rampant globalization and an impediment to the seamless flow of international dialogue and exchange.

Upon arrival, my sanctuary was the Amankora Hotel in Thimphu—a haven where luxury seamlessly converges with Bhutanese architectural minimalism. The ambiance was an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the quietude of the self, embodying the essence of Bhutanese mindfulness philosophy.

The vistas were nothing short of poetic—fluttering prayer flags adorning distant peaks, intricately carved wooden façades, and monasteries perched precariously on sheer cliffs, each scene etched with Buddhist symbolism and devotion.

National Day: A Symphony of Unity and Tradition

My visit serendipitously coincided with Bhutan’s National Day on December 17th. The occasion was commemorated with exuberance and reverence in a stadium brimming with thousands of Bhutanese citizens, their traditional attire forming a vibrant mosaic of cultural pride.

Clad in the traditional Gho, I found myself immersed in a spectacle of traditional dances, stirring music, and ceremonial splendor. Beyond the surface of festivity lay a profound reminder of Bhutan’s unwavering commitment to harmony, resilience, and collective identity.

This day was not merely an observance; it was a testament to a nation’s soul, where cultural pride and spiritual grounding coalesce into an enduring ethos.

A Culinary Revelation: Ema Datshi, Jasha Maroo, and Raven Vodka

Culinary exploration often serves as an intimate portal into a nation’s cultural identity, and Bhutan proved no exception. Among the many gastronomic encounters, two traditional dishes stood out:

• Ema Datshi: A fiery amalgamation of chilies and locally crafted cheese, this iconic dish is both an assault and a delight to the senses—a culinary emblem of Bhutan’s bold spirit.

• Jasha Maroo: A hearty chicken stew infused with garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and chilies, offering a comforting yet sophisticated flavor profile that resonates with Bhutan’s hospitality.

Yet, the most unexpected delight was discovering Raven Vodka—a locally produced spirit of exceptional refinement and clarity. Its velvety texture and balanced palate defied expectations, positioning it among some of the finest vodkas I have encountered globally.

Bhutan’s culinary offerings are not merely about sustenance; they are an invocation—an invitation to savor tradition, craftsmanship, and authenticity in every bite and sip.

An Evening of Elegance: The Royal Banquet and a Vision Unveiled

On the third day of my sojourn, I was privileged to attend a royal banquet at the palace—an evening suffused with warmth, grace, and an unspoken reverence for Bhutanese tradition.

Amid the refined ambiance of the palace, the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project was presented with eloquence and precision by its chief architect. The vision articulated transcended the technicalities of infrastructure; it spoke to a philosophical reimagining of urban living—a city designed not just for efficiency, but for collective contentment, environmental harmony, and spiritual rejuvenation.

The project is not merely a city; it is an ideological statement—a hymn to humanity’s better angels in an era plagued by unchecked consumerism and environmental disregard.

The Vision of the Fifth King: His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

At the heart of Bhutan’s transformative journey lies the vision of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. His Majesty’s foresight transcends mere infrastructural ambition; it encapsulates a holistic philosophy aimed at harmonizing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being.

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck envisions a Bhutan where cities are not just centers of commerce but sanctuaries of reflection, balance, and mindful living.

The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project is a direct embodiment of this vision, offering the world an urban model where prosperity does not come at the cost of peace, and modernity does not undermine tradition.

It is imperative that this vision is amplified beyond Bhutan’s borders, reaching audiences in New York, London, and other global financial hubs.

Energy Diversification: Hydropower and SMR Nuclear Facilities

While hydropower remains the cornerstone of Bhutan’s energy security, diversification is critical to ensuring long-term resilience. Seasonal variations in water availability highlight the need for a stable, complementary energy source.

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear facilities represent a vital component of the Gelephu vision:

• Stable and consistent power output, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply.

• Environmentally sustainable, with minimal carbon emissions.

• Scalable and efficient, capable of meeting growing energy demands.

For Gelephu to thrive as a sustainable city, SMR facilities would guarantee energy security, reduce dependence on seasonal hydropower output, and ensure that large-scale urban projects can operate with resilience and reliability.

This strategic move would position Bhutan as a leader in modern, clean energy adoption, underscoring its commitment to sustainability on a global scale.

Infrastructure and Airport Development: A Critical Challenge and Opportunity

As a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) authority with extensive experience managing multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects in developing countries, I understand the complexities inherent in constructing and financing large-scale projects like an international airport in Gelephu.

Key challenges will include:

• Securing sustainable financing from global partners.

• Attracting international airlines to ensure consistent traffic flow.

• Building confidence among investors through transparency and efficiency.

Despite these hurdles, an airport is indispensable for Gelephu’s success. It will serve as a gateway for tourism, commerce, and international diplomacy, enabling Bhutan to connect with global markets more effectively.

If executed with precision, the new airport will become the cornerstone of Bhutan’s integration into the global economic network while upholding its environmental and cultural values.

Conclusion: A Universal Blueprint for Humanity

From the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, the proposed SMR nuclear facilities, the vision of an international airport, and the establishment of a Himalayan WEF in 2026 in collaboration with Davos as my suggestion, Bhutan emerges as not just a symbol of hope but as an active participant in shaping humanity’s sustainable future.

Bhutan is not merely a nation—it is a timeless philosophy brought to life, a guiding light for an uncertain world.

Contributed by

Ali Serim

An Istanbul-born,

globally recognized climate advocate and authority on climate finance, serves as the Special Envoy of Vanuatu to COP29 and Special Advisor on

Geopolitics of

Transition to ODI Global