Rigorous Research, Rooted in Bhutan, Reaching the World
An independent think tank producing evidence-based research from the Kingdom of Bhutan, carrying its models of governance, development, and wellbeing into the global conversations that need them.
About us
A voice for Bhutan on the global stage
Bhutan Global Group is a research and policy institution founded by Bhutanese professionals. We were established on a simple conviction: that Bhutan has pioneered alternative models of human progress, from carbon-negative growth to Gross National Happiness, yet has lacked the institutional infrastructure to carry those lessons abroad.
We produce rigorous, evidence-based research on climate, development, governance, and the future of cities; rooted in Bhutanese experience rather than borrowed from other policy traditions.
Small nations can have outsized ideas. Bhutan already has them.
We exist to share them with the world.
What we study
Research Domains
Four lines of inquiry where Bhutanese experience speaks directly to questions the rest of the world is still trying to answer.
Climate and Environmental Policy
Lessons from a carbon-negative nation on conservation, climate finance, and the discipline of living within ecological limits.
Technology, Energy and Digital Innovation
How a small state can harness clean energy and digital tools without surrendering its values or its autonomy.
Economic Development
Models of growth measured not only in output, but in wellbeing, equity, and the resilience of communities.
Global Governance and Diplomacy
The role of small nations in multilateral institutions, and how moral authority can outweigh economic size.
Urban Development and the Gelephu Mindfulness City
A standalone research thread studying Bhutan’s most ambitious experiment: a special administrative region designed around mindfulness, sustainability, and a new model of urban life. We follow its design, governance, and the lessons it holds for cities everywhere.
How we work
Founding Principles
The credibility of our research is our most valuable asset.
Independence
We answer to the evidence, not to donors, parties, or governments. Our conclusions are our own.
Rigour
Every claim is sourced, every method is transparent, and every paper is built to withstand scrutiny.
Nonpartisanship
We serve no political camp. We engage all sides in good faith and let the analysis lead.
Global Reach
Bhutanese in origin, international in audience. We write for policymakers wherever decisions are made.
Openness
Our research is published openly, so ideas can travel as freely as the questions that prompt them.
Our people
Who We Are
A small team of Bhutanese and international researchers, with more joining as the institution grows.
Sonam Dorji
Founder and Director
A Bhutanese policy professional who founded Bhutan Global Group to give the country’s distinctive ideas a permanent home in global research. He sets the institution’s agenda across climate, governance, and development.
Adin Becker
Founding Board Member
An international development professional who helps connect the group’s work to the foundations, academics, and policy networks that carry it beyond Bhutan.
More team members will be introduced as our research program expands.
Get in touch
Join Us in Building Something That Matters
Whether you are a foundation, a policymaker, an academic, or a member of the Bhutanese diaspora, there is a place for you in this work.
Discuss a partnership →