In the serene mountains of Bhutan, happiness is not just a pursuit; it’s the very purpose of governance. Tenzin Dorji, an officer from the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, unravels the kingdom’s unique development philosophy.
In the enchanting folds of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan unfolds a story of governance steeped in the pursuit of happiness. Tenzin Dorji, an official from the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, recently shared profound insights into the nation’s development trajectory at the International Construction Transformation Conference (ICTC) 2023 in Kuala Lumpur.
At the core of Bhutan’s ethos lies the 1629 Legal Code, echoing the words of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal: “The purpose of the government is to provide happiness to its people.” These words, resonating through centuries, have guided the formulation of policies, shaping a nation where the pursuit of Gross National Happiness (GNH) is not merely a policy but a way of life.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972, declared that “Gross National Happiness (GNH) is more important than Gross National Product”, ushering in a multidimensional approach that transcends mere economic indicators.
Bhutan’s pillars of GNH encompass sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance. These principles have not merely adorned policy documents but have become the guiding light for public discussions, policy formulations, and legal frameworks.
Dorji says: “Measured on a scale from 0 to 1, the GNH Index provides a comprehensive snapshot of Bhutan’s progress. From 2010’s 0.743 to 2022’s 0.781, the upward trajectory mirrors a nation advancing economically, culturally, and spiritually.”
Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness positions it as a unique model for holistic development, proving that true prosperity goes beyond material wealth.
In the next part, we will dive into how Bhutan is dedicated to keeping its green spaces intact and leading the way in eco-friendly construction.
Article 2: Bhutan: A Haven for Nature’s Harmony
Article 3: Building the Future: Bhutan’s Sustainable Construction Odyssey
