Report on the Bhutan Seminar Series 2025 (Dec.2025 & Jan.2026)

2026年1月13日更新

Beginning in FY2021, the Global Collaboration Center is hosting regional research-based seminars to (1) learn about the Kingdom of Bhutan, which is located in South Asia, and (2) examine development policies and the situation of the country and region in light of these issues. Each seminar includes a film screening, a brief commentary by the presenter, and a question-and-answer session. A total of 15 sessions are scheduled for FY2025.

12th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2025 (2025.12.19)

The 12th Bhutan Seminar of the 2025 academic year took place online on Friday, December 19, 2025. The 12th session (72th overall) featured an interview with the Prime Minister. Following the screening, participants asked questions and offered comments about the current status of the "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC) special economic zone initiative, which is led by the King. They also discussed Bhutan’s employment policies and agricultural self-sufficiency rates.

About 50 people attended the seminar. Here are some comments from the participants: “Since the session consisted of questions and answers with the current Prime Minister regarding the overall situation in Bhutan, I was able to gain a clear understanding of the country as a whole.”“I think the issues currently facing Bhutan were explained in an easy-to-understand manner in the video.”“I gained an understanding of the exodus of troubled young people from Bhutan and the confusion surrounding domestic economic reforms.”“While the Prime Minister spoke from economic and political perspectives, he also touched on topics such as ‘the importance of fostering friendship among people,’ ‘a treasure trove of biodiversity,’ and the preservation of culture. I felt that this reflected the spiritual essence of Bhutan as a nation. At the same time, I was also very concerned about the comment that Bhutan is ‘being swept up in capitalism.”“While economic development is certainly necessary, I would like to know more about the specific measures the Prime Minister is taking to ensure that Bhutan’s existing culture and environment are preserved and passed on to future generations.”

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13th Seminar in the Bhutan Seminar Series 2025 (2026.1.9)

The 13th Bhutan Seminar of the 2025 academic year took place online on Friday, January 9, 2026. For the 13th session (73th overall), following on from the previous seminar, this session featured an interview with the Prime Minister and conducted an analysis that included a comparison between the previous interview (with Singaporean media) and this one (with Indian media). Participants asked questions and made comments about the benefits of India's aid to Bhutan, Bhutan's environmental protection policies, the availability of video interviews with the King, and the "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC) special economic zone initiative led by the King.

About 50 people attended the seminar. Here are some comments from the participants: “I gained a clear understanding of Bhutan's National Assembly composition and the content of each political party.” “It was interesting that the documentary was produced by the country's people and organizations with elections and democracy as its core themes. While I may not have fully grasped everything, the fact that such an objective documentary could be made suggests democracy is taking root, even if introduced by the King.”“I was surprised to learn that support for political parties is quite clearly divided between eastern and western Bhutan.” “It was a fresh surprise to learn that, just like in Japan, Bhutan also utilizes social media in election campaigns and that this can become an issue.”

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