WORLD’S FIRST HAPPINESS-BASED EDUCATION SYSTEM!

Bhutan, the world’s newest democracy, is taking on an unprecedented challenge– to radically transform its national education system to reflect fundamental human and ecological values. According to Education Minister, Lyonpo Thakur Singh Powdyel, hesitation in this endeavor “is no longer an option” because “our young people are subject to a bombardment of materialist and consumerist messages as never before.”

On December 7-12 top international educators in the fields of critical thinking, eco-literacy, holistic and contemplative education, and indigenous knowledge are meeting with Bhutanese officials and educators in the remote mountain city of Thimpu, Bhutan. Renowned participants will include Dr. Vandana Shiva, Dr. John Miller, Dr. Satish Kumar, Dr. Gregory Cajete and Dr. David Orr. The workshop is titled, Educating for Gross National Happiness.

Gross National Happiness (GNH) has been the guiding development philosophy of Bhutan since King Jigme Singye Wangchuck proclaimed, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.” GNH strives to balance sustainable economic development with environmental conservation, good governance, and cultural promotion. In 2005 Bhutan received the UN Champion of the Earth Award. In a world facing staggering cultural and environmental challenges, this workshop could have effects well beyond Bhutan’s borders.