There are now 29 registered civil society organisations in Bhutan and numerous others in the community. How effective have the CSOs been? While we been complementing the work of the government so far, how else may CSOs serve an evolving democracy like Bhutan?

( CSO rules currently define CSOs as “service” providers in a social welfare context. The Anti-Corruption Commission of Bhutan recently described the possibility of CSOs taking on a watchdog role in society , holding government accountable. What are Bhutanese views on civil society and how may we strengthen civil society space in a new democracy?

So the UN has made march 20th, 2013 an International Day of Happiness. How will we mark the occasion in Bhutan that will make it meaningful and not just a catchphrase for a new-age-feel-good event?

As a growing number of countries show interest in Bhutan’s vision of GNH, what are we doing ourselves to create and bring about a better quality of life for the people of this kingdom?

Is there more scepticism than understanding of GNH in Bhutan? If so, why? Is GNH in danger of becoming a slogan? How can we bring GNH fully into the policy arena and into our own organisations, workplaces, families, and lives?

CSOs and policy-makers are planning to meet to discuss these issues at a forthcoming forum. Has anyone any ideas to share on this topic?

It seems that now – more than ever – is the time for Bhutan to debate, discuss, challenge and explore what we need to do to make Bhutan the kind of home, society, community and nation that lives up to the name of the Thunder Dragon!

Numerous issues emerged at the Bhutan Media Dialogue 2012 that just ended on May 10th. Participants were asked to identify the one burning issue or question conerning media in Bhutan. Some of them included:
•Professionalism,
• How can free expression be enjoyed and taken advatage of by the illiterate? • Mistakes made by young media, is that justified?
• How can media be accountable to its readers if they don;t depend on them but on the govt for viability?
• What are the limitations to free expression in Bhutan?
• Impatient news-breaking leads to half-baked information causing panic and confusion in society.
• Media need to bring up stories on poverty ore frequently .
• How strong is Bhutanese media as a watchdog? Cut down on the process of getting information in the bureaucracy,
• How can we open up society to speak up on national issues?
• while the press enjoy freedom of expression, they find it exceedingly difficult to get people to exercise their free speech in a small society.

What are your views on the one burning issue/ or question concerning media in Bhutan? Feedback is needed to keep this conversation going. We have dedicated journalists in Bhutan wanting to serve the public interest, how can we get the public to talk to media more?

here’s an interesting question raised by the Wall Street journal. Does Bhutan love Bollywood too much?

The GNH Commission told a gathering of Civil Society organisations and individuals on 16th Nov. that 90% of the crime occur in Thimphu. Topping the list is assault and battery, followed by car accidents and burglary.

While not surprising, it is also something that we could resolve if we all worked at it. After all, the capital is where all our planners, thinkers, decision-makers live. The government is placing emphasis on screening all policies to ensure GNH – and have identified key gaps like the lack of community and increasing stress in cities.
once identified, how can we all address these gaps? How can we contribute to reducing the growing crime in the capital?

Are there any suggestions for civil society, for individuals, for companies and youth to take action to build community in Thimphu and to jointly work at creating a safer place for everyone in the capital city?