Bhutan's Mindfulness City: Big idea from small nation

BHUTAN, known for prioritising Gross National Happiness over GDP, has begun its journey building the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), an ambitious project blending spirituality, sustainability, and economic innovation.

- DIVYA THOTAWATTE

This first-ever 'mindfulness city' is the vision of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, who describes GMC as a "big idea from a small nation." Speaking in Colombo recently, Bhutan King's Special Envoy and International Affairs Chief Ambassador Jonathan Tow said: "His idea is not just to build another city, but to offer the world a different path. How can one bring together Bhutanese values of spirituality and harmony with nature, and blend it together with economic progress? How can we bring these elements together?"

He brings this vision to life with two approaches to the city: one global, and one domestic. Tow explained that globally, GMC is positioned as an "oasis of calm" in a turbulent region.

"We see what is happening in Nepal and elsewhere in the region. He has much foresight to try to carve out such an environment for businesses and for people who want to find an oasis," said Tow at a forum organised by Honorary Consul-General for Bhutan in Sri Lanka Abbas Esufally. Domestically, GMC is aimed at addressing brain drain and unemployment. With a population of 800,000, thousands of Bhutanese youths seek opportunities abroad. By creating a semi-autonomous entity, the King hopes to advance economic growth without disturbing Bhutan's traditional governance, Tow said.

This approach is guided by a 'diamond strategy.' "During the first 20 years, it will take the shape of a diamond: a one country, two system format. Bhutan and GMC will take divergent paths. Bhutan will continue to develop at its own pace, whereas the SAR will be empowered to be a catalyst of change." Afterward, both systems are expected to merge into a stronger economic unit.

A semi-autonomous city