Small States, Big Ideas, A Shared Future: 5th International Conference on Gross National Happiness and Law Opens in Bhutan

POSTED ON - Nov 13th, 2026

The 5th International Conference on Gross National Happiness and Law commenced today at the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law (JSW Law), bringing together distinguished leaders, international scholars, jurists, policymakers and practitioners to examine how small states can contribute to a more just, compassionate and sustainable world.

Held under the theme “Small-State Leadership and GNH”, the three-day conference provides an international platform to explore how values-based leadership, thoughtful governance and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) can offer meaningful perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.

The opening ceremony was graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, Honourable President of JSW Law, who delivered the opening address. Reflecting on the responsibilities of small-state leadership, Her Royal Highness highlighted five key areas: peace and sovereignty, human wellbeing, environmental stewardship, the rule of law and collective purpose. She also underscored the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City as a new chapter in Bhutan’s development journey and an expression of the country’s aspiration to advance development grounded in mindfulness, sustainability and innovation.

The programme featured keynote addresses by Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment, and Nobel Peace Laureate Mr Kailash Satyarthi, bringing important perspectives on leadership, development and the responsibilities of nations in an interconnected world.

The opening day’s deliberations explored three key areas. The first examined small-state leadership in an age of uncertainty, considering how smaller nations can exercise meaningful influence through principled leadership, international cooperation and values-driven governance. The second focused on new cities in comparative perspective, bringing international experiences into dialogue with Bhutan’s vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City. The third examined progress beyond GDP, addressing institutional accountability, business and human rights, climate justice and sustainable development.

Over the next three days, the conference will continue to provide a space for critical dialogue and shared learning on the future of governance, constitutionalism, climate justice, global cooperation, sustainable urban development and youth leadership.

As Bhutan continues to contribute to global conversations on human wellbeing and sustainable progress, the conference advances an important proposition: a nation’s influence is not measured by its size alone, but by the values it upholds and the contributions it makes to the world.

As Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck observed:

“The greatest contribution a small nation can make to the world is not to become like the great powers, but to remind the world of what truly makes a nation great.”

Through this international gathering, JSW Law seeks to strengthen dialogue across disciplines and borders, reaffirming the relevance of Gross National Happiness and the potential of small-state leadership in shaping a more thoughtful and sustainable global future.

Other Lastest News

JSW Law’s stories and spotlights

View More News

Sep 12th, 2026

Small States, Big Ideas, A Shared Future: 5th International Conference on Gross National Happiness and Law Opens in Bhutan

Other Lastest News

Fifth Graduation Ceremony Celebrates the Class of 2026

Buddhism, Democracy and the Rule of Law

Building a Child-Centred Justice System

Launch of Justice Sector Digital Blueprint – a transformative initiative towards digitally enabled justice services

JSW Law and NUS Centre for Asian Legal Studies Sign MoU to Advance Academic Collaboration

Dr. Nima Dorji Appointed Dean of JSW Law