The event is scheduled for 1 to 3 October 2024 in Paro, Bhutan
Bhutan is slated to host 80 of the world’s leading thought leaders at the first-ever Bhutan Innovation Forum scheduled for 1 to 3 October 2024.
Among those coming to the event are Snapchat co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel; Nobel Laureate economist Joseph E Stiglitz; Nobel Laureate economist Nicholas Stern; award-winning molecular biologist Richard J Roberts; Buddhist scholar and author Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche; former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos; Reliance Group chair Anil Ambani; BIG founding partner and creative director Bjarke Ingels; and Buddhist monk and philosopher Matthieu Ricard.
These distinguished guests will cover diverse topics such as integrating mindfulness into education and leadership, leveraging blockchain for knowledge economies, utilizing AI in digital services and governance, promoting ESG investments for climate resilience, and developing carbon markets for sustainable growth.
This landmark event will be held at the Dungkar Dzong in Paro, and it aims to explore the intersections of mindfulness, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, as Bhutan embarks on creating the world’s first Mindfulness City.
A place for mindfulness
Bhutan’s Mindfulness City seeks to integrate green technologies and mindful innovation to build a community grounded in harmony, well-being, and happiness.
According to His Majesty, King Jigme of Bhutan: “The Mindfulness City will be unlike any other, rooted in the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH.) “It will be a city that fosters conscious and sustainable businesses, inspired by our spiritual heritage and reflecting the unique Bhutanese identity.”
Introduced by King Jigme in December of last year, the concept of the Mindfulness City highlights Bhutan’s position as a global leader in sustainability. As the world’s only carbon-negative country, Bhutan offers a powerful model for sustainable development. This city, which will welcome both Bhutanese and international contributors, aims to be a hub of mindful innovation and a beacon for sustainable living.