The contribution of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhancing Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan: A case study of Bhutan

Kris Rai

Bhutan is known worldwide for its development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Historically, Bhutan has a long tradition of promoting collective happiness. However, it gained traction when GNH was declared a state policy in 1972 by the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He emphasised that GNH was more important than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GNH is based on four pillars: sustainable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, preservation and conservation of culture, and good governance. The four pillars of GNH are further elaborated into nine domains and 33 indicators. Bhutan has developed the GNH index to quantitatively measure the GNH and GNH screening tools to align its development policies and plans with GNH. Accordingly, Bhutan conducted three GNH surveys in 2010, 2015, and 2022 to measure the GNH index. On the other hand, 193 members of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. It has major objectives to solve the economic, social, and environmental problems that hinder global sustainability. Bhutan is one of the signatories committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Like the GNH philosophy, the UN 2030 Agenda also focuses on sustainable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, preservation and conservation of culture, and good governance. It is an evidence-based framework for national, regional and global sustainable development planning and programming over 15 years until 2030. It has 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 169 targets and 232 indicators. This research found strong linkages among eight GNH domains (indicators) and fourteen UN SDGs (targets and indicators) in Bhutan. The health, cultural diversity and resilience, ecological diversity and resilience, living standards, and psychological well-being domains were the top five contributors to the GNH Index in Bhutan during three GNH surveys (2010, 2015, 2022) in Bhutan. Nine SDGs have strong linkages to these five GNH domains, namely: SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 15 (life on land). However, the UN SDG 2024 report states that significant challenges remain for Bhutan in achieving these SDGs. Since Bhutan is a signatory to the UN 2030 Agenda, it must focus on achieving these SDGs with the assistance of the UN and other development partners. As Bhutan puts effort into achieving these SDGs, this research concludes that it will simultaneously enhance the GNH index and, ultimately, the happiness of the Bhutanese.

The contribution of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhancing Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan: A case study of Bhutan

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Details

Metrics