𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 – 𝐀 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧-𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐈 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Bhutan’s approach to AI governance offers an important alternative- one grounded not in economic expediency alone, but in cultural identity, sustainability, and the well-being of all citizens. The country’s plan to align its artificial intelligence development with the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH) reflects both a bold vision and a necessary caution, serving as a timely reminder that technology must be guided by human values rather than the other way around.

Bhutan’s upcoming National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) attempts to strike this balance. It recognizes AI not merely as a tool for efficiency or growth, but as a transformative force that can deepen inequality or strengthen collective well-being, depending on how it is implemented. The government’s plan to focus on sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, tourism, health, and education is commendable. These choices reflect Bhutan’s specific national priorities and offer real opportunities to leverage AI for inclusive development.

At the same time, Bhutan’s approach provides valuable lessons for other countries, particularly smaller or developing nations. Rather than merely importing foreign technologies or adapting externally developed frameworks, Bhutan is working to craft a model that fits its own context. This is critical. When AI systems are not adapted to local realities, they often amplify existing disparities. Bhutan’s decision to ensure AI enhances rural livelihoods, protects its biodiversity, and preserves linguistic and cultural traditions signals a refusal to surrender its national identity in the name of progress.

Examples from other countries reinforce this approach. In Finland, for instance, the government launched the “Elements of AI” initiative, offering free public education on artificial intelligence. The program is now translated into multiple languages and aims to ensure citizens are equipped to understand and question the role of AI in society. Singapore, meanwhile, has developed model AI governance frameworks focused on transparency, accountability, and human-centric design- principles that resonate with Bhutan’s GNH philosophy. These models suggest that a values-driven, participatory, and inclusive approach to AI is not only feasible but necessary.

However, Bhutan also faces significant risks that should not be underestimated. The global AI race is largely driven by powerful tech corporations and well-resourced states. Without careful policy coordination and regional collaboration, countries like Bhutan risk becoming passive recipients of technologies they have little role in shaping. Furthermore, the environmental costs of training large AI models, particularly the energy demands of data centers, must be reconciled with Bhutan’s environmental commitments. Leveraging hydropower and other renewable energy sources is a pragmatic solution, but long-term sustainability will require strict oversight and innovation in energy-efficient AI systems.

AI also raises profound ethical and governance questions. Who owns the data? Who is accountable when AI fails? What does fairness mean in a multilingual, multiethnic society? Bhutan’s efforts to address these challenges through stakeholder consultation and regulation are steps in the right direction. But more needs to be done to ensure that citizens- especially youth, women, and rural communities- are not just users of AI-enabled services but active participants in shaping the technologies that will affect their futures.

Ultimately, Bhutan’s AI journey must not be judged merely by technical milestones, but by how it safeguards human dignity, fosters equity, and strengthens the nation’s moral and cultural fabric. If done right, Bhutan could become a global reference point for ethical AI governance, especially among nations seeking alternatives to extractive or purely commercial models of digital development.

As the world grapples with the promises and perils of artificial intelligence, Bhutan’s emphasis on values, inclusion, and sustainability offers not only a roadmap for its own future- but a mirror to reflect what the rest of the world might be missing.