IN 2011, the United Nations unanimously adopted a General Assembly resolution introduced by Bhutan calling for a holistic approach to development aimed at promoting sustainable happiness and well-being. This was followed in 2012 by a UN 'High-Level Meeting on Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm.' Actually, it builds on Bhutan's pioneering work to develop the Gross National Happiness Index.

Under the leadership of the then King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, Bhutan adopted a policy of gross national happiness (GNH) instead of gross domestic product (GDP). It means instead of increasing the gross national product of consumption, production and economic growth, the focus is on gross national happiness. To be more specific, it means priority for education, and public health systems, participation in self-determined development, good governance, preservation of the traditional culture and protection of the environment.