A Journey of Inspiration: UNCT’s Visit to Gelephu Mindfulness City

In the Southern foothills of Bhutan, emerald-green forests cascade down the valley of areca trees and paddy fields leading to the site for the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City—a sanctuary of tranquility and introspection.

At the invitation of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, the Resident Coordinator, Karla Robin Hershey, led the United Nations Country team to visit Gelephu and see the work underway to fulfil the vision of the Mindfulness City as an embodiment of Bhutan's enduring commitment to sustainability and prosperity.

“It was a journey of exploration and insight,” said Karla Hershey. “We were able to witness the unfolding of a groundbreaking initiative that holds the promise of reshaping Bhutan's economic landscape and fostering sustainable growth for generations to come.”

During the 116th National Day of Bhutan, on 17 December 2023, the King of Bhutan announced the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative with the objective of benefiting Bhutanese 500 years into the future. The Gelephu Mindfulness City is expected to stand apart from other special economic zones by prioritizing businesses that respect Bhutanese values, including mindfulness, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to the nation’s sovereignty and well-being.  The City Masterplan aims to seamlessly integrate Bhutanese culture into every aspect of the city's design – from the protection of farmlands and wildlife sanctuaries to the incorporation of ancient farming methods and modern AgroSciences.  The goal is to achieve a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

The UN Country Team engaged in meaningful discussions and exchanged ideas on how the United Nations could further support Bhutan.