The biggest challenge however, is to redefine and promote wealth and prosperity in ways that these become the objects and measure of true human advancement and therefore, the common aspiration. We need to understand wealth as not only material but also as comprising the intangible kind that strengthen identity, security and relationships; cause contentment and generally contribute to the flourishing of all life forms with which our own survival is profoundly interconnected. These should include, for instance, circle of friends and integrity of the extended family network; the number of people that one can count on to share not only joyous moments but to provide material or emotional support and counsel in times of trouble and pain. Wealth needs to be redefined in terms of one’s capacity to refine and improve living conditions without destabilizing the environment and to render the future more predictable and secure. Genuine or GNH wealth and prosperity must raise the sense of fulfillment and diminish desire.

Some of the GNH guided policies for the development of Bhutan are:

A constitutional requirement that our country must always have a minimum forest cover of 60%. Presently, our forest cover is more than 72% with 51% of our land falling under national parks and protected nature reserves.

A policy that values the forest for its ecological value above that of its commercial worth.

A voluntary pledge that Bhutan will always remain carbon negative, meaning that its carbon sequestration capacity will exceed the amount of Green House Gases it releases.

A tourism policy that emphasizes high quality, low impact (volume).

Stringent environmental laws governing industrial licensing.

We are now in the process of formulating policies that will require the construction industry to employ green technology and sustainable practices. At the same time, we have augmented our school curricula promoting eco-literacy among our students within zero-waste and green schools.

So far, Bhutan has lived by example. We have maintained vast forest coverage often at the expense of development. The balanced sustainable development policies have shown positive results. If Bhutan could inspire a few countries to tread a development path similar to ours, that might be Bhutan’s greatest influence at the international level. We need not flaunt economic or military might to be a global leader. Sometimes, it is a mere idea that rules.

In 2007, His Majesty the King of Bhutan, addressing the young graduates stressed the importance of working towards achieving and fulfilling the common goal and aspirations as human beings. Bhutan is lucky for having a wise King who reminds us of the principles of Gross National Happiness. Guided by his leadership, we are reminded of the timeless values ensuring that we tread the path of development not swayed by placing importance on the economic development alone.

It is also because of the guidance and leadership of our two Kings that we made a safe transit from monarchy to democracy. Ingrained in the minds of the people and the leaders of the country the principles of GNH, people stand united and share the same common vision of achieving Gross National Happiness. We have made a good start.

The question of how to guide an economy to produce sustainable happiness – combining material well-being with human health, environmental conservation, and psychological and cultural resiliency – is one that needs addressing everywhere. While there is no magic formula for either GNH or sustainable development, befitting the seriousness of the challenge and Bhutan’s deep tradition of Buddhist reflection, there is an active and important process of national and international deliberation. Today, I believe, you have taken a step towards this deliberation. While I have my deepest appreciation for this initiative being taken by Shanghai 21 Culture and Shanghai Wingsbook Company, I hope the aspiration that those of us gathered here share will not stop today but goes a long way in saving the earth and its resources thus passing onto our future generations their rightful inheritance of natural resources and happiness.

Thank you and TASHI DELEK!