W4B_Journey to be inspired

Set in the pristine Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, where rulers lead selflessly, true happiness takes priority, and sustainable development is law, women and men from across the globe will meet to learn, connect, be inspired and be empowered in the pursuit of four ideals: peace, democracy, sustainability and equality. Over four days and nights, we learn indoors, reflect outdoors and socialise at night, surrounded by mountains under blue skies amidst mother nature. 

We start with ourselves: a look inward at the foundations of happiness, health and well-being. We examine truly great leaders — past and present, young and old — to demystify the shared characteristics of the world’s most thoughtful change-makers. Throughout, we are guided by Bhutan’s globally acclaimed sustainable development philosophy, Gross National Happiness. GNH, as it’s more commonly known, and its four pillars — good governance, cultural preservation, environmental conservation and equitable socioeconomic development — provides the conditions from which peace, democracy, sustainability and equality can be achieved.

What is the outcome of our time together? Inspiration. Empowerment. New perspectives. And with the aid of great conservation, meaningful collaboration and open exchange — answers to the question: “What role can women play to advance the ideals of peace, democracy, sustainability and equality in Bhutan, at home and abroad, today and for our next generation?”

Welcome to Women4Bhutan.

CORE PROGRAMME

October 3-7, 2019

AN IMMERSIVE LEARNING JOURNEY
IN THE KINGDOM OF

W4B_Core Programme

W4B_Session 01-the four pillarsjpg

SESSION 1:
THE FOUR PILLARS OF GNH, OUR HEALTH & OUR HAPPINESS

For centuries, Bhutan’s leaders have recognized the responsibility of the government to support and promote the happiness of its people. This belief was formalized in 1972 as Bhutan’s Fourth King stated “gross national happiness is more important than gross national product”. Unlike anywhere else in the world, Bhutan surveys its people every 5 years, feeding findings regarding the drivers of happiness directly into the planning cycle.

In our opening session entitled — The Four Pillars of GNH, Our Health & Our Happiness — we explore the drivers of true happiness, framed by the four pillars of GNH and informed by many years of carefully curated data and insights. The inevitable and exciting next step is to self-reflect on your own health and happiness and to begin the journey towards the best version of yourself.

W4B_Session 02-characteristics of great leaders

SESSION 2:
CHARACTERISTICS OF GREAT LEADERS

The world’s great leaders inspire us to strive for goals we believe to be unattainable. How do they encourage us to overcome inertia? While each person is unique, certain qualities are common across great leaders. The world’s best demonstrate servant leadership, using the needs of the many as the guide posts on their journey.

In our second session entitled — The Characteristics of Great Leaders — we demystify what makes a great leader. We pierce through the general discussion of leadership and transcendent orators, searching for bedrock in the traits of the leaders we aspire to emulate. With these traits identified, each participant will explore the amplification of these attributes within their own behaviours, style and comfort zone.

SESSION 3:
THE RULE OF LAW & GOOD GOVERNANCE

Living in freedom protected by fair, just laws and supported by efficient, pragmatic governance unlocks the full potential of humanity. Concern and anxiety are replaced by confidence and innovation. Energy and passion can be focused on positive endeavors that benefit the whole of society.

In our third session entitled — Rule of Law & Good Governance — we explore the principles, policies and mechanisms employed by the most respected, productive governments around the globe. We learn how leaders advocated for change and discuss how we all can take learnings back to our communities.

peaceful transition to democracy

A PEACEFUL TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY

In 2008, with the adoption of the country’s first Constitution, Bhutan completed an historic transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional democracy.

The transition was unprecedented in world history, prompted not by violent revolt or political pressure, but by the wisdom of a leader – His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck – who willingly gave up absolute power in the name of Bhutan’s national vision for “Gross National Happiness.”

Change-makers are all around us

OUR STORIES

DINNER AT LE MERIDIEN THIMPHU

Change-makers are all around us. They give selflessly. They prioritize impact over recognition. They gain gifts of perspective, peace and happiness by elevating the lives of others. True to their ideals, their immensely important stories are presented humbly and directly. With open hearts and minds, we can learn valuable lessons from these diverse narratives.

During dinner on our second evening, we will celebrate grassroots change-makers at the Our Stories Dinner. We will hear directly from four local Bhutanese leaders as they share their inspirational stories of changing lives in our host country. To enrich and expand our purview, we will also watch brief, immersive videos providing stories from India, Columbia, Nigeria and elsewhere.

SESSION 4:
CULTURAL PRESERVATION

For thousands of years, we humans have toiled for food, water and shelter, communicated our hopes and dreams through song, poem and conversation, and practiced customs to celebrate and pass down our beliefs and values. While geographies, climates, flora and fauna vary tremendously, the core human condition is remarkably consistent. By valuing and preserving cultural diversity we learn from those whose perspectives are different than ours, enabling our own spiritual and emotional growth.

In our fourth session entitled Cultural Preservation, we discuss the context and conditions that support cultural diversity and a society’s broad appreciation of the differences in belief systems, values and customs that make humanity so interesting.

A COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL PRESERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Bhutan’s Gangkhar Puensum is the tallest unclimbed mountain in the world. The government forbids climbing above 6000 metres out of respect for local spiritual beliefs. Not only culturally important, Bhutan’s snowcapped mountains are also the source of its largest industry — white gold — more commonly known as hydropower.

While most nations are reactively addressing the problem of natural resource overexploitation, Bhutan proactively prevents it. An example: The constitution guarantees the country maintain 60% forest cover. Today, it’s the world’s only carbon sink.

SESSION 5:
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Our world is deeply interconnected, full of relationships and complexities we are only beginning to understand. As an example, phosphorous in the dust picked up from the Bodélé Depression in Chad naturally fertilizes the Amazon rainforest, the “lungs of the planet”. Unfortunately, the impact of human life on our planet is proving to be just as interconnected, with detrimental and accelerating effects on coral reefs, sea levels, air quality…the list does not end. As humans, we must learn to live within the means provided by mother nature through adoption of sustainable practices rooted in environmental conservation.

In our fifth session entitled Environmental Conservation, we understand the policies and practices in Bhutan and other parts of the world that promote reverence, care and sustainability for the precious resources our lives depend on. Importantly, we will discuss practical ways for attendees to be change-makers in their own communities, leading both by example and through high-impact, fact-based advocacy.

SESSION 6:
EQUITABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Maximizing the health and vitality of our communities is dependent upon equitable socioeconomic development. Eradicating poverty, promoting human health, advancing education and providing diverse economic opportunities are necessary ingredients for the long-term peace, prosperity and happiness of our societies.

In our sixth session entitled Equitable Socio-economic Development, we explore the philosophies and models employed in successful communities around the world. Learning from experts and through discussion with attendees, you will return home inspired by new ideas and supported by a global network of change-minded leaders.

Inspired and engaged

I’M INSPIRED, I’M ENGAGED

CLOSING DINNER AT LE MERIDIEN PARO IN GHO & KIRA

Reflect on the last four days you will never forget. Celebrate the present surrounded by new friends and basking in life-long inspiration. Look forward to an enlightened future, brimming with confidence in your deep understanding of your own health and well-being, your flourishing leadership capabilities and your ability to achieve meaningful change in your community and beyond.

In our closing dinner entitled I’m Inspired, I’m Engaged, we leave Bhutan with specific, concrete opportunities for engagement in Bhutan, at home and abroad. Each of you will have the opportunity to share your lasting impressions with a remarkable assembly of change-makers. We all say goodbye to Bhutan (for now!) adorned in traditional Bhutanese dress.

EXTENSION PROGRAMMES

OCT 7-10, 2019

Exclusively for Tara Donors, this 3-day extension in Bumthang is a glorious opportunity for the esteemed W4B donors to continue their immersion into the ancient heritage of Bhutan. As one of the most historic dzongkhags (judicial districts) in the country, Bumthang is home to one of the oldest and most venerated temples in the Kingdom.

Every aspect of this bespoke itinerary has been carefully crafted to ensure guests forge the most meaningful connections. Beginning with a private charter, along with fellow change-makers, you will meet the enterprising rural women of Dechen Pelri, witness unique prayer ceremonies at sacred religious sites, and savor regional delicacies in the most tranquil of picnic settings.

Sept 30-Oct 3 &Oct 7-10, 2019

This 3-night supplementary learning experience begins with a scenic drive east from Paro to Punakha, home of the Kingdom’s former capital city, situated at the confluence of two major rivers, the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. As you explore the unspoilt landscape of the region’s ancient valley, your exclusive itinerary will guide you to unique sites and temples, along a river rafting adventure, and through only-in-W4B village immersions, as you enjoy specially-catered picnic lunches and traditional dinners.

A CHANCE TO MEET INSPIRING CHANGE-MAKERS

W4I_Her Royal Highness-image
W4B_Her Royal Highness

President,
Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law (JSW)

Ambassador Melanne Verveer
W4B_Ambassador

Executive Director,
Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace & Security (GIWPS)

JSW LAW

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Jigme Singye Wangchuck (JSW) Law is the first and only law school in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The School welcomed its first class of 25 students in November 2017. Led by its Honourable President, Her Royal Highness Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, its mission is to provide legal education drawn from across Bhutan and around the world, facilitate research in related fields, and promote cultural enrichment and traditional values that are uniquely Bhutanese. “The School is the means of brining GNH and justice to fruition,” says Her Royal Highness. To learn more about this extraordinary institution, visit jswlaw.bt.

FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUNG WOMEN TO ATTEND LAW SCHOOL IN BHUTAN

W4B_JSW law
W4B_GIWPS

GIWPS

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Headed by former U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace & Security (GIWPS) engages in rigorous research, hosts global convenings, advances strategic partnerships, and nurtures the next generation of leaders. The institute focuses on the important role women play to promote a more stable, peaceful, and just world. To learn more about this extraordinary institute, visit giwps.georgetown.edu.

FUNDING RESEARCH IN BHUTAN & GIWPS MISSION RELATED
ACTIVITIES GLOBALLY OUTSIDE BHUTAN

7 reasons to participate
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW

Due to limited availability,
early registration is strongly encouraged.

PHOTO GALLERY