Fourth International Conference on GNH & Law

The Fourth International Conference on Gross National Happiness (GNH) & Law, hosted by JSW Law at its campus in Pangbisa, Paro, commenced today. Under the theme ‘Criminal Justice for Happiness,’ this three-day conference brings together scholars, legal experts, and practitioners from around the world, alongside national participants, to explore the vital relationship between criminal justice systems and societal well-being within the unique framework of Gross National Happiness.

The opening session of the conference was graced by the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, His Excellency Lungten Dorji. The conference coincides with three significant national observances: the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan’s Constitution Day, and GNH Day. In celebration of these important occasions, JSW Law launched several key publications and initiatives that contribute to the field of legal research and education both in Bhutan and globally. These include: Treatise on the Penal Code of Bhutan, JSW Law Review – Volume III, Bilingual Legal Dictionary, JSW Law RC Guidelines, and JSW Journal of Law and Policy.

Since 2018, JSW Law has been at the forefront of a multi-year research initiative exploring the intersections between Bhutan’s unique development philosophy and legal systems. Initially broad in scope, the conference series has progressively focused on more specific themes, with the 2024 edition delving into the relationship between ‘Criminal Justice and Happiness.’

The conference features a distinguished group of international participants from countries including Israel, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, United States, Austria, and Malaysia, as well as national participants from Bhutan. These experts will share diverse perspectives on how criminal justice systems can be reformed to better support happiness, well-being, and social justice.

Selected papers presented at the conference will be published in Volume III of the Journal of GNH & Law, following a rigorous editorial review process.

This conference serves as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration on the evolution of criminal justice systems to promote societal well-being. By exploring these issues through the lens of Gross National Happiness, JSW Law continues to contribute to global discussions on the future of justice and its impact on happiness.

In a separate event today, JSW Law also launched the JSW Law Library Archives and the Biannual Library eNewsletter, expanding access to valuable legal resources while preserving the institution’s history, documenting its journey, milestones, and contributions to legal education, with the eNewsletter providing regular updates on the library’s developments, upcoming events, new acquisitions, and key milestones.