11 November 2024, Thimphu: In celebration of the 69th Birth Anniversary of Druk Gyal Zhipa and Bhutan’s National Day of Happiness, the GNH Centre Bhutan hosted the “Promoting GNH Dialogues” event in Thimphu. Now in its 9th year, the Centre has consistently organized events themed around Gross National Happiness (GNH) across Bhutan, expanding this year for the first time to Melbourne, Australia.

The half-day event was honored by the presence of Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Chodren Wangchuck, President of the GNH Centre Bhutan, along with other distinguished guests. In her keynote address, Her Royal Highness highlighted “the shared responsibility between government and citizens to foster happiness and address critical global and national challenges, including climate change, mental health, and social cohesion”. Her Royal Highness urged individuals to actively contribute to both personal and collective well-being, reinforcing Drugyal Zhipa’s legacy of happiness and resilience as a source of inspiration for the world.

Former Education Minister Lyonpo Thakur Singh Powdyel passionately expressed how GNH continues to be Bhutan’s north star and reminded us of what is important for Bhutan to measure and what values we must nurture.

Ms. Carolyn Hamer Smith, representing the GNH Centre Australia shared that globally, leaders are inspired by GNH and well-being and happiness have become increasingly central to national policy, with countries like the UK, New Zealand, and UAE prioritizing these goals. She shared that over two-thirds of OECD countries, including Finland, Korea, Canada, and Germany, have implemented their own frameworks, acknowledging that economic and social development are interdependent. Even advanced economies now recognize that sustainable growth must support both economic and social well-being.

GNH Centre Bhutan’s Executive Director in his address shared that - “This celebration is more than a tribute to His Majesty’s benevolent leadership; it is a reaffirmation of the principles that guide us toward collective happiness, harmony, and progress. Today, as we honor His Majesty’s profound contributions, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to carry forward this unique vision for the benefit of future generations, both in Bhutan and across the world.”

The event also featured a series of inspiring talks by notable speakers, including Mr. Chorten Dorji, Executive Director of the Handicrafts Association of Bhutan GNH; Ms. Kinley Pelden from Sherubtse College; Mr. Sonam Yoezer Tashi from Taktse; and Mr. Pema Namgyel from the private sector.

In closing, the event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, uniting leaders, academics, and youth in a celebration of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and its values. The diverse perspectives shared underscored the ongoing relevance of GNH in addressing today’s complex challenges and inspired a shared commitment to building a happier, more sustainable future for all.