GNH in a global development perspective

The world is suffering from the devastating side effects of people and nations favouring an untamed economic growth and materialism at the expense of other aspects. The consequences of this trend are observed in many places on our planet in terms of pollution, climate change, species extinction, inequality, economic insecurity and deep-rooted poverty. Bhutan sees a world in which many places do not produce happier people despite an ever-increasing consumption, since the increase in consumption is achieved at the expense of health, leisure, social relationships, spirituality and the environment.

Bhutan´s Prime Minister Jigme Thinley is saddened by the consequences of the world's one-sided focus on economic growth. In Bhutan the side effects can be seen clearly in the visible climate changes of the Himalayas. Also, the Bhutanese youth are increasingly seduced by the Western media which often presents wealth and fame as the purpose of life.

Bhutan and GNH inspires the world

On 19 July 2011, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, at the request of the Prime Minister of Bhutan, unanimously adopted Happiness as an independent goal for all countries. The UN is thus engaged in a process towards encouraging the countries of the world to seek a more holistic approach to development. The Prime Minister of Bhutan concluded after the meeting in the UN General Assembly "Happiness is now accepted by the international community as a timeless, shared vision that binds all humanity together, rich and poor."

In follow up to this Resolution titled “Happiness: Towards a Holistic Approach to Development”, the Royal Government of Bhutan held a High Level Meeting on “Happiness and Well Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” on 2nd April 2012 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This Summit was attended by a select but representative group of top government representatives, by all United Nations missions, and by leading economists, scholars and spiritual and civil society leaders, representing both developed and developing nations. See the Report of the High-Level Meeting on Wellbeing and Happiness: Defining a New Economic Paradigm. See more at www.2apr.gov.bt.

Rio+20

See the Royal Government of Bhutan's Input for the Draft Outcome Document for Rio+20 "Time for a Sustainable Economic Paradigm".

The heads of several states now have their eyes on Bhutan to learn how GNH can inspire them on their development path. Canada, Brazil and France are among countries that have begun to integrate GNH into national politics as a more viable alternative to the focus on growth and GDP.

To meet the world's increasing interest to learn from Bhutan's experience in leading the country according to the values of GNH, the Hon. Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Y. Thinley would like the Centre realised as soon as possible. The Hon. Prime Minister initiated the Centre, yet the Centre will soon become a self-supporting, non-profit, and non-governmental entity with its own board of governors.

The purpose of the Centre is to manifest in living practice Bhutan’s balanced development philosophy of GNH. At the Centre, Bhutanese and foreigners (researchers, students, civil servants, business people, parliamentarians, farmers and others) will learn and experience how to bring GNH values and practices into their daily work and lives and how to serve their families, neighbours, and country with genuine purpose, compassion, and effectiveness. Please find more information about the GNH Centre in the menu "GNH Centre". If you would like to support the realization of the GNH Centre please find more information in the menu "Support the GNH Centre”.