I am delighted to be here today, at the launch of the Well-being Dialogue Event. I believe, this event is inspired by the same concerns which led Bhutan to adopt a unique paradigm for societal change. Since the early ‘70s, human well-being has been the core purpose of our development process. In this regard, in April 2012, Bhutan hosted a very successful high-level meeting at the UN Head Quarters in New York on ‘Well-being and Happiness: Defining a New Economic Paradigm’.

A consensus reached then was that rather than being an end in itself, economy must serve to enhance human well-being within limits of the natural environment. Here in Australia, I am so pleased that thus dialogue continues as indeed, it must for the survival, harmony and happiness of humanity.

Being here today with the visionaries behind Australia's GNH Centre is a celebration of a most meaningful partnership and a proud milestone for GNH Centre Bhutan. Indeed, your commitment to and promotion of education, culture, social enterprise and B-corporate practices are directly aligned with those of the GNH Centre. We at the Centre share your concerns, dreams and aspirations for life to flourish on the planet. I am eager to explore the many opportunities that will emerge from our partnership.

Before I go any further, I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to Danny and Berry for their kind invitation and warm hospitality. You have made us feel so very welcome and we shall always cherish the memories of this visit.

Allow me to share the journey that has brought us to this state of our happy collaboration. As many of you are aware, the philosophy of Gross National Happiness was enunciated by His Majesty The Forth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, half a century ago. It is based on the conviction that a nation’s development should have a purpose beyond just promoting economic growth. It must give equal importance to improving human needs within a resilient and natural environment.

Until the founding of the GNH Centre Bhutan, this vision has been pursued with a two pronged, top-down approach. The first through public policy and programs while the second is undertaken by the Centre for Bhutan Studies, which focuses on measuring well-being and fostering research.

This strategy has been successful. However, we have always known that ultimately, it is the internalization of GNH values at the individual, family and community levels that will determine whether, we as a nation, can progress and prosper as a human centered, inclusive, sustainable and happy society. Political commitment and intellectual interest in GNH will continue only if the people themselves realize it’s imperative, It’s imperative as a shared and timeless aspiration to guide everyday thinking, speech and actions.

To this end, GNH ethos must define our daily life, our children’s education, business and industry, social systems and cultural practices. This is how we ourselves can ensure that we become the cause and source of personal and collective happiness as a nation.

His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgay Wangchuck in his wisdom articulated this reality when he declared in 2009 that, “GNH acts as our national conscience, guiding us toward making wise decisions for a better future. Our foremost priority will always remain the happiness and well-being of our people, including the generations to come after us.” His Majesty’s message was very clear. Guided by this wisdom, the GNH Centre Bhutan was established in 2012. As such, the stated mission of the Centre is to facilitate discourse, understanding, imbibing and practice of GNH principles and values in everyday life. It is to provide space and opportunity for individuals from all walks and stages of life to reflect on the meaning and purpose of life as human beings. It is to provide brief get-aways from the rigors and numbness of daily life of consumerism and competition.

It is to bring the mind to a meditative state for personal and collective contemplation and to engage in sincere discourse while mindfully training and experiencing frugal but healthy GNH living. At the time we could not imagine that our small non-profit organization would one day serve to motivate individuals and communities across our borders. Yet, we have found deep satisfaction in bringing together people, communities and various entities to reflect on and discuss their way of life and purpose; to prioritize wellbeing and to embrace happiness in daily life. They have returned home as people who are more inclined to contribute to the comfort and joy of others.

In 2017, the GNH Bhutan Centre launched the GNH Journey programs, a series of thematic workshops on Gross National Happiness. It was at this time that Danny Almagor and Berry Liberman visited Bhutan as participants and left as GNH Ambassadors. Through this connection Danny started the GNH Impact Safaris to Bhutan. These safaris provide participants with a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. They strengthen connections between our people and attract interests well beyond our countries. I deeply appreciate the crucial nature of this initiative in advancing our shared aspiration.

This GNH Centre in Australia and in other countries will hopefully lead a global movement that redefines human civilization and progress - that prioritize well-being of not only humans but all interdependent life on the planet. As they grow in number and coverage across the world, they will, I am confident, form a vital link in the chain that binds all humanity into one united, integrated family. Under the leadership of its founders, I have no doubt that as the GNH Centre Australia engages with businesses, policymakers, educators, and community leaders toward a better world, it will inspire many more on this vast continent and beyond.

Since the early 1960s, Australia has been a key development partner for Bhutan. Immediately after Bhutan was connected with motorable roads, Australia gifted us with the first set of motorized public goods carriers. Then again, in 1974, we received a much-appreciated batch of gleaming cars to transport guests at the coronation of my father. Furthermore, with much goodwill and generosity, this great country has been an enduring source of support in the promotion of my country’s human capital. In the early years of our development process, key positions in government and the leadership in the private sector have been held by Australian educated and trained people, This form of crucial support continues to this day as is clearly evident in the large number of Bhutanese here in your beautiful country.

The more recent introduction of Australia’s 2023 National Well-being Framework to create a healthier, more sustainable society, will bring our countries even closer. The establishment of the Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra in 2021, is a resounding testimony to how much Bhutan values our bilateral relations and partnerships. The visit of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen last year which underscored this fact was eagerly followed by every Bhutanese on television. It has certainly taken our extraordinary friendship to an even higher level. In the meanwhile, GNH Centre Bhutan will continue with its mission with even greater vigor and commitment. Among others, it will be our endeavor to provide support to this and other Centre’s to fulfil our shared mission. We shall work together to build a global network of GNH practitioners and collaborators. It will be our commitment to build bridges between nations, cultures, and ideologies to foster a global community rooted in compassion, wisdom, and shared happiness.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of you who are here to engage in this most important discourse on societal well-being. I am also told that you are equally interested in the work of the GNH Centre here and in Bhutan. I hope you will find the time to review our projects and activities. Your patronage and support is crucial in making our vision a reality.

Let us come together in making humanity’s journey ahead one of hope, peace and eternal well-being united by the shared dream of happiness. From the depths of my heart, I thank you all for your support.

Tashi Delek