YK Poudel

Over 1,000 Bhutanese and international participants gathered at Dungkar Dzong in Pangbisa, Paro, for the opening of the highly-powered Bhutan Innovation Forum, a visionary conference aimed at driving change yesterday.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen attended the day-long opening session, joined by 125 world-class speakers, including around 20 CEOs, four Nobel Laureates, and a range of experts such as philosophers, philanthropists, economists, authors, professors, journalists, directors, consultants, AI and legal specialists, analysts, founders, and planners.

The venue, located at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 metres, participants were welcomed by a gently sloping landscape, adorned with lush forests, framed by the stunning panorama of the Himalayas. Adding to the vibrant scene was a herd of yak with their herders, reflecting Bhutan’s highland culture, along with displays of traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, further enriching the experience.

The dzong’s four entrances are guarded by deities representing the four cardinal directions, while its steps symbolise a journey through time. The dzong is a modern, accessible facility with features such as campus-wide Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.

The three-day forum will host participants from over 60 countries, engaging in more than 35 sessions and discussions, with a special focus on the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, moderated by two BBC news presenters.

In his welcome address, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay described the forum as a pivotal platform for reflecting on Bhutan’s achievements, envisioning its future, and turning those visions into reality.

“This forum is the largest and most significant event for Bhutan to date, showcasing three groundbreaking innovations that affirm the country’s forward-thinking spirit,” he said.

“This forum is more than a conference, it is a platform for dialogue and collaboration,” he said. “One that would propel Bhutan towards a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future.”

From Australia to Kenya, Uruguay and beyond, Lyonchhen said that the forum was a platform for dialogue and collaboration. “The forum provides a unique opportunity for everyone to brainstorm bold ideas that challenge the limits of our imagination,” said Lyonchhen.

In a nation where the monarchy has consistently prioritised the happiness and well-being of its people through the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, Lyonchhen emphasised the importance of its foundational pillars.

He noted that these pillars aim to balance economic growth with social progress, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and good governance.

“This period of innovation is a cornerstone for Bhutan to address challenges and seize opportunities in diverse areas such as environmental sustainability, climate change, volunteerism, and active citizenship,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted three exemplary initiatives that showcase Bhutanese ingenuity and vision, blending tradition with modernity.

The first innovation is the Dungkar Dzong, which was completed last year. He noted that across Bhutan, majestic dzongs silhouette the skyline, strategically overlooking the inhabited valleys. “These monuments welcome guests to the country, embodying a civilization that is solid in foundation and unique in identity.”

Various exhibitors, including modern technology initiatives, agricultural and livestock enterprises led by students and private entrepreneurs, have been set up to facilitate information dissemination and collaboration.

“Envisioned and built by His Majesty the King, this modern fortress is rooted in Bhutan’s traditional architectural styles and values while serving as a contemporary marvel designed to meet the needs of 21st-century Bhutan,” prime minister said.

The second innovation within Dungkar Dzong is the Bhutan Baccalaureate, an educational initiative spearheaded by His Majesty the King and implemented by the Royal Academy.

According to the Prime Minister, the programme blends traditional Bhutanese values with 21st-century skills, equipping youth with critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship necessary in a rapidly changing world.

“The third innovation is Gelephu Mindfulness City. This visionary city exemplifies His Majesty’s commitment to innovation while respecting our spiritual and cultural values.”

The project envisions a future of urban living, where individuals coexist harmoniously with one another and with the natural environment.

“Innovation is about solving problems,” Lyonchhen said, emphasising its role in enhancing lives and creating opportunities.

The session was held on the theme of “Mindfulness and Innovation: A Vision for Peace and Prosperity”, followed by a variety of subsequent sessions.

Today’s agenda will focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Discussions will encompass a wide range of topics, including the role of art in driving innovation, leveraging science and technology for prosperity, advancements in research and education, big data analytics, investment in innovation and new ventures, attracting global talent, and fostering entrepreneurship.

Additional discussions will address steering digital transformation, identifying new business opportunities in Bhutan, blockchain and decentralised AI, the world of AI and augmented reality, as well as the future of banking and credit, alongside the application of AI in biomedical science.

On the final day, discussions will center around “Entrepreneurship and Sustainability”, tackling issues such as managing climate risks, promoting sustainability, the minerals and energy transition, and addressing South Asia’s energy needs by harnessing Bhutan’s renewable energy resources. Additional sessions will delve into Brand Bhutan, carbon-linked bonds, monetising carbon offsets, and sustainable investment opportunities in the country.

His Majesty the King announced the establishment of the GMC on December 17, 2023. The GMC aims to integrate civil infrastructure, green technologies, and mindful innovation to foster a community rooted in harmony, well-being, and happiness.

The Bhutan Innovation Forum 2024 is organised by Druk Holding and Investments in collaboration with the Global Algorithmic Institute.