Bhutan

Integration of Gross National Happiness (GNH) indicators in the national planning and M&E system - GAP

Bhutan has made impressive political and administrative reform progress over the last two years as part of its gradual transformation embracing core democratic principles. The democratization process has ushered further commitment to development processes and strengthened its approach to achieving Gross National Happiness (GNH), the country's predominant development philosophy, by securing a harmonious balance between physical, social, spiritual, psychological and cultural well-being of the individual and society.  

The concept of GNH initially expounded through the four pillars of 1) good governance, 2) equitable and balanced socio-economic development, 3) preservation of cultural heritage, and 4) conservation of the natural environment has been broadened into nine domains of 1) good governance, 2) psychological wellbeing, 3) time use, 4) community vitality, 5) health, 6) education, 7) culture, 8) living standards, and 9) ecological diversity and resilience for the construction of indicators for the GNH Index. Consideration of all nine domains into development process is crucial in promoting good governance and enhancing wellbeing of the Bhutanese people.

The project supports the integration of the GNH indicators into the national planning and monitoring mechanism (PLaMS) aligning the Royal Government's 10th Five Year Plan (2008-2013) with the GNH and the MDGs in addition to providing a good governance framework for the country.

UNDAF Outcome	1: By 2012, opportunities for generation of income and employment increased in targeted poor areas. 4: By 2012, institutional capacity and people’s participation strengthened to ensure good governance.
CT Outcome	4.1 Strengthened capacity of local governments to plan, implement and monitor their development progress in pursuit of poverty reduction and MDGs.
CT Output	1.5. Enhanced capacity of public sector to implement results based policy, plan and programme development for MDGs, GNH and other national priorities; 4.1 Transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, participation and accountability strengthened at all levels 4.3 Capacity of key institutions to support parliamentary democracy strengthened
Project Location	Thimphu
Project Duration	January 2009 - June 2010
Budget Outlay	US$ 300,000
MDG Goal
Link to Workplan	Click on the icon to download