Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
Money can make a society prosper in many ways, but there is one thing that money can neither
buy nor bring; happiness. So, when we measure the wellbeing of our societies, would it not be
more logical to assess a country's happiness level rather than relying solely on GDP, which
quantifies financial wealth? At least the country of Bhutan thinks so. They have recognized that
the pursuit of happiness is an essential goal for any society, and the Gross National Happiness
Index serves as a powerful instrument in realizing this vision.
The index aims to increase the percentage of people who experience genuine happiness.
Moreover, it seeks to diminish the insufficient conditions of those who are not happy. In essence,
the GNH index challenges policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to work together
towards enhancing the overall well-being of the Bhutanese people. It does this by providing a
comprehensive framework for development, guiding resource allocation, measuring progress
over time, and facilitating comparisons across the nation.
Simply, the GNH index is built upon four principles: good governance, sustainable
socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Within
these categories lie encompassing aspects like health, education, values, culture, and more. This
comprehensive approach, incorporating both objective and subjective indicators, can be argued
to provide a well-rounded view of well-being.
One remarkable aspect of the GNH index is its practical utility. It goes beyond being a
theoretical framework and is actively used by Bhutanese policymakers at the district level.
District leaders review their policies against the results of the index, allowing them to make
informed decisions and necessary adjustments to improve the well-being of their constituents.
This approach fosters a dynamic and responsive governance system that places the happiness of
its people at the forefront.
As we highlight Bhutan's philosophy, let us consider the profound lessons it imparts to the global
community. It reminds us that genuine progress involves more than economic gains. It
challenges us to prioritize well-being, urging us to create a world where the happiness of
individuals is the ultimate measure of success. Let us strive to embrace the principles of the
GNH index, not only in policy but also in our daily lives, as we work together to build a more
equitable, sustainable, and genuinely happy world for all.
Thank you.