BALANCING GROWTH AND VALUES
Tobgay said AI could help Bhutan grow its economy in line with its happiness ideals, while also preserving its environmental commitments.
The country is carbon negative, has more than 70 per cent forest cover and is considered a biodiversity hotspot, he added.
“AI can help us maintain a good track record, in our commitment towards achieving climate action, and good governance.”
At the same time, he acknowledged anxieties about how AI could reshape labour markets.
“We’ve been told that AI is going to displace workers, and obviously we should take heed,” he said.
However, Tobgay struck an optimistic note, saying that while risks must be managed, technology also opens the door to new possibilities.
“AI will provide unforeseen opportunities for work and livelihood as well,” he added. “The question is: Will we be prepared for it?”
For Bhutan, that means examining digital transformation and AI policies carefully to ensure they strengthen – rather than erode – “what we value, whether it is our cultural values, our spirituality, our environment, our form of governance,” said Tobgay.
“They need to enhance it, and they need to be consistent with what we treasure.”