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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.