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Bhutan is spearheading the development of a new economics paradigm with sustainability and happiness at its core to replace the conventional GDP and economic model which has helped to bring about so much resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social inequity.  Bhutan has introduced a UN resolution to create such a new model. Toward this end, Bhutan’s Prime Minister has called for a summit of international experts to join sponsoring countries in developing this model, new cost accounting measures and financial strategies. IEMEA has been invited to participate in this upcoming summit.

 Since the 1970s, Bhutan has been first in the world in using a GNH index – Gross National Happiness index – as a contrast to the conventional GDP economic measure.  The GNH has nine topical areas measured by 72 core indicators. GNH serves as a guide to Bhutan’s five-year national planning process and all the instruments that guide the economic and development plans of the country. The GNH topical areas include physical, mental and spiritual health; time-balance; social and community vitality; cultural vitality; education; living standards; good governance; and ecological vitality.  Bhutan’s Prime Minister describes the meeting as follows.

 “The UN General Assembly resolution A/65/L.86, introduced by Bhutan with support from 68 Member States, and unanimously adopted by the UN, called for a “holistic approach to development” aimed at promoting sustainable happiness and wellbeing. It thrust on my small country the responsibility of initiating steps for the furtherance of this resolution. It is therefore planned that key representative leaders from developed and developing nations, along with leading economists, scientists, and civil society and spiritual leaders, come together to issue a clarion call at the UN on 2nd April for a sustainability-based economic development paradigm to replace the current system. To this end, it is hoped that the High-Level Meeting will call for the world’s best experts, based on the best available knowledge to work together over the next year to hammer out the details of the measures, accounts, and financial mechanisms required for a happiness-based economic model for the consideration of the international community. Such a model, or aspects of it would then be available for incorporation into national policies on a voluntary basis.”

Jigmi Y. Thinley, Prime Minister, Royal Government of BhutanSay something interesting about your business here.

Gi A group of Chileans, including representatives from Calera de Tango and the Chilean national Department of the Environment, recently completed a nine-day Sustainable Sweden Tour led by Torbjörn Lahti of IEMEA. The Department of Environment is considering using the eco-municipality approach as part of the environmental certification process for municipalities.  Sustainable development initiatives studies on the tour included sustainable approaches to dealing with waste – biogas generation, expanded recycling -  and renewable energy projects. .