The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As young Bhutanese leave the country in search of better economic opportunities, Bhutan faces a difficult question: how can it create a future that gives its younger generation reasons to stay?
For Governor Dr. Lotay, the departure of young Bhutanese is an early warning sign that something is not right in the country. Youth are leaving Bhutan in search of greener pastures elsewhere, which is a symptom of deeper problems.
However, he believes their connection to Bhutan remains strong, even when they move abroad. He pointed to the large gathering of Bhutanese during Their Majesties’ visit to Australia as an indication of their continued attachment to their homeland.
According to him, Bhutanese youth have something distinctive: they are culturally and traditionally rooted.
This connection between economic aspirations and cultural identity raises an important question as Bhutan embarks on Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC): can the country create new opportunities for its youth without losing the values that define it?
For Dr. Lotay, GMC intends to open up economic opportunities through Gross National Happiness.
“In GMC, our intent is to open the economic opportunity, the economic window of GNH,” he said.
GMC Co-CEO Seow Hiang Lee said, “Bhutan has tremendous strengths but needs a new form of economic dynamism and stronger connections with the world.”
“Gelephu has enough flat land to develop a world-class international airport, which could improve connectivity for local businesses and link Bhutan more closely with international markets,” he said.
But ambition comes with a generational responsibility. Lee acknowledged that the current generation may not fully benefit from GMC’s long-term potential.
“The current generation has the joy of being the pioneer generation. But, to be honest, they may not be the full beneficiaries of the full fruits of GMC’s potential,” he said.
For Bhutan’s younger generation, GMC represents more than a new city. It raises questions about economic opportunity, belonging and the future they want to build.
The question is whether GMC’s vision can translate into meaningful opportunities for the generation expected to carry Bhutan forward.
