While the world faces unprecedented environmental and social crises, Bhutan remains a calm example of hope and resilience. Often overshadowed by global powers, Bhutan’s contribution to sustainable lifestyles and climate action has been revolutionary, even if the world has not yet fully realized it. We are already a living model of how humanity can balance development with the environment, culture and well-being. This leadership has never been more needed than today.

The global scale of climate change is clear: rising temperatures, frequent natural disasters and ecosystem degradation are pushing the planet towards an uncertain future. Many nations, despite promises, are unable to cope with the crisis. Amid global chaos, Bhutan’s pledge to become carbon negative – a nation that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits – provides a powerful example of what is possible. This achievement is not an easy task for a developing country. However, we have achieved this through careful environmental management, with over 70 percent of our land covered by forests and most of our energy needs are met by renewable sources, particularly hydropower.

But the world is not only facing an environmental crisis; is struggling with a crisis of values. As nations prioritize economic growth at all costs, Bhutan has consistently placed the happiness and well-being of its citizens at the center of national policy. Introduced in the 1970s by His Majesty the Fourth King, GNH remains a revolutionary concept. While the rest of the world is obsessed with GDP as the sole indicator of success, Bhutan’s leadership shows that real progress is much more than that. It’s about quality of life, mental well-being, environmental sustainability and cultural protection.

Today, our GNH framework resonates around the world as countries come to terms with the shortcomings of their growth-at-all-costs models. While GDP may indicate an increase in national wealth, it rarely reflects rising inequality, environmental degradation, or social unhappiness. By focusing on holistic well-being, Bhutan reminds the world that happiness and sustainability can – and should – be the ultimate goals of development.

Consider the global mental health crisis as just one example. Rates of anxiety and depression have skyrocketed around the world, especially in highly developed countries. The emphasis on constant productivity and consumerism led to a sense of emptiness for many people, where economic success was prioritized over personal well-being. Bhutan’s message of mindfulness and balance directly addresses these challenges. It emphasizes that social progress should not come at the expense of human happiness and environmental health.

Beyond mental well-being, our international leadership also plays a significant role in shaping dialogues on climate responsibility. As the effects of climate change deepen, especially on small and developing countries, the world needs new models of sustainable development. Bhutan, as a small country that is still developing economically, has shown that economic progress and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. The international community can no longer ignore the fact that small nations like Bhutan can lead on climate action by setting an example for larger and wealthier nations to follow.

Bhutanese leadership is not just about politics; it’s about action. Our environmental leadership, our commitment to renewable energy and our GNH-focused development model all offer the world a tangible path forward. Bhutan’s decision to prioritize forests, water and natural resources over short-term economic gains should be more than admirable – it is essential at a time when natural resources are rapidly depleting.

The Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF) is a timely reminder of Bhutan’s willingness to embrace modern solutions while maintaining the integrity of our values. By combining ecological entrepreneurship with cultural protection, Bhutan shows that it is not stuck in the past, but creatively draws its future. The forum brings together world leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators to imagine a future that honors both tradition and progress, aligning perfectly with Bhutan’s goals of mindfulness, sustainability and ethical growth.

The world is at a critical moment. Global efforts to combat climate change, preserve cultural identity and improve mental well-being are failing, but Bhutan offers a way forward. The world needs vision and courage to take a different path. BIF provides the best space for thinking not only today.