This publication is the proceedings of the conference on Deepening and Sustaining Democracy organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Centre for Bhutan Studies and the United Nations Development Programme. The inspiration for this Conference emerged from discussions between the Hon’ble Prime Minister lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley and Mr Ajay Chhibber, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and Pacific. The conference was held not only to mark the smooth and peaceful democratic transition of Bhutan in 2008, but also as a platform to share lessons and experiences among countries in the region to help strengthen, deepen and sustain the democratic culture and values in Asia.

This publication is the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Gross National Happiness held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 24 to 26 November 2008, against the backdrop of the global financial crisis. The conference which attracted 90 participants from 25 countries and five continents was attended by an average of 300 participants and observers. With the theme ‘Practice and Measurement’, the conference could not be held at a better place and time than Bhutan, the birth place of GNH.

This book is a compilation of the papers presented at the Third International Conference on Gross National Happiness held from 22 to 28 November 2007 in Thailand. It was attended by about six hundred participants from academia, NGOs, governments, media, and religious institutions. The Centre would like to thank both the national and international participants for their papers submitted to the conference and helping in further expanding the concept of Gross National Happiness as well as for helping to take steps towards grounding the concept into practice. Only a select few papers are included in this volume due to lack of space.