The Gross National Happiness (GNH) Centre Australia, a sister organization to the GNH Centre Bhutan, hosted a significant Well-being Dialogue Series today in Melbourne. Established in August 2024, the GNH Centre Australia is the third international GNH Centre dedicated to advancing the philosophy of Gross National Happiness beyond Bhutan.

Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Chodren Wangchuck delivered a keynote address, highlighting the deep and longstanding relationship between Bhutan and Australia. Her Highness emphasized that global GNH Centres will play a crucial role in addressing today’s pressing challenges, offering a framework for meaningful societal transformation.

Her Highness shared, "This GNH Center in Australia and in other countries will hopefully lead a global movement that redefines human civilization and progress that prioritize wellbeing of not only humans but all interdependent life on the planet". Her highness further added on the role for individual and collective need for GNH that “Even though our policy-driven approach to GNH in Bhutan has been successful, 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.”

The event was honored by the presence of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, who was recently conferred an honorary doctorate by Murdoch University in Perth. Their Royal Highnesses Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck and Dasho Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck also graced the occasion, reflecting the strong commitment of Bhutan’s royal family to the global advancement of GNH principles.

Held at the Small Giants Academy, where the GNH Centre Australia is based, the event underscored the Centre’s vision of promoting wellbeing economies and fostering dialogue on holistic development. Under the leadership of Mr. Danny Almagor, the Centre will champion GNH as a guiding principle for sustainable and equitable progress in Australia. The event was also attended by key dignitaries HC Dato' Adam Htoon, HE Ambassador Sonam Tobgay, the Honorary Consul of Bhutan to Melbourne as well as Julia Booth, HC of Bhutan to Sydney.

The Well-being Dialogue Series in Melbourne marked a step in strengthening the global GNH movement, reinforcing the deep ties between Bhutan and Australia. With the GNH Centre Australia now serving as a bridge for collaboration, the event highlighted the growing momentum toward economies and societies that prioritize wellbeing over mere economic growth. As Bhutan and Australia continue to align their efforts in fostering happiness and sustainability, this partnership stands as a beacon of hope for a more compassionate and balanced world.