Balancing Material and Spiritual Development – Bhutan

Global Peace Initiative of Women and the Gross National Happiness Center of Bhutan - Gathering in June 2013

The Kingdom of Bhutan is leading the way in seeking a new development paradigm that has as it central values the happiness and wellbeing of its people and the health of its environment.

The Gross National Happiness Index is designed to assess how the nation is doing in this regard. The Kingdom has taken many steps to ensure the health of its eco systems, including a commitment to maintain 60% forest cover, to grow its food organically, to ban plastics, to have one day each month be a carless day, among other efforts.

Sister Jayanti of Brahma Kumaris gave significant contributions to this gathering.