His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan：4. GNH Philosophy Spreading around the World

4. GNH Philosophy Spreading around the World

Sustainable development and GNH

Many global issues related to economic growth, environmental conservation, and physical and mental health have emerged in recent times, and the limitations of capitalism and consumer society have become obvious. Developed countries that have led the world are beginning to realize the value of GNH. This philosophy emphasizes preserving the natural environment, achieving sustainable and equitable development, promoting culture for comprehensive happiness, and improving social value.

For example, United Nations (UN) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international institutions have also used happiness as a social indicator.

In addition, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015 are a collection of objectives that all UN member countries, businesses, local governments, and individuals around the world are striving to achieve a better world by maintaining a good balance among the economy, society, and the environment. GNH could be considered to be the early form of the SDGs. When the UN started discussing SDGs, the philosophy of GNH had already been established in Bhutan.
As noted above, the GNH philosophy provides new approaches to living in modern society, where economy and efficiency take priority.

The Present and Future of Bhutan

Although the threat of climate change has become real, it is also true that the economy and environment of Bhutan still face numerous challenges. Along with globalization and advances in information technology, consumer culture has quickly spread among the Bhutanese, possibly impacting their traditional values. However, even under these circumstances, the future of Bhutan remains the focus because the country continues to seek the happiness of its people based on the GNH philosophy.

Photo credit: Tourism Council of Bhutan

A unique example of GNH values is the tourism policy of 'High Value, Low Volume.' This policy is designed to reduce the negative influence on cultural landscapes and the natural environment, while generating foreign currency revenue by imposing sustainable development fees (SDF) as a sightseeing tax on tourists.

At the age of 51, the Fourth King, who prioritized happiness above all else, using the GNH philosophy, abdicated the throne in favor of his eldest son, HRH Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fifth King of Bhutan, in 2006. The Fifth King has also embraced the GNH philosophy, and the Fourth King is still respected by the people of Bhutan as 'the great Fourth King.'