Gelephu the city of awareness

Everything is connected: for this reason every economic, social, environmental policy must take into account the connections with all the rapidly changing variables not only in national systems, but also in international ones. Several Asian countries are abandoning government systems based on ideologies and sectoral powers entrusted to ministries; they prefer integrated generative processes entrusted to local communities, instead of the sterile opposition between State and market. Among these holistic innovations is the model of intelligent and mindful cities such as Gelephu Mindfulness City (gmc) in Bhutan. Architect Bjarke Ingels, creative director of the project, described the city as an innovative gateway between the world and South Asia. The city of mindfulness will be directly connected to four continents. The city's master plan includes rail links, a hydroelectric dam and public spaces, all elements that reflect Bhutan's commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. gmc’s infrastructure and architecture will incorporate local building typologies inspired by Bhutan’s long-standing development philosophy of growing Bhutan’s “Gross National Happiness” (gnh) through well-being, health, education and cultural diversity. The city will be built using locally sourced materials such as bamboo, timber and river stones, combining tradition and modernity and cultivating resilient and self-sufficient communities.

gmc city will be an example of Vajrayana Buddhism; it will invite people from all over the world to come together to live in a system based on compassion, kindness, tenderness and inner peace.

With the support of the Government of Bhutan, gmc will have a robust and transparent financial sector guided by three key principles: clarity, co-creation and customer friendliness, including a new blockchain-based currency called “Ter”; it allows to prevent and eliminate all forms of corruption, fraud, tax evasion and is cheaper and more efficient. The new Ter currency will be guaranteed by the government and supported by banking services. The legal framework for people and businesses will replicate that of the best Asian legislations, such as that of Singapore, and will be regulated by a judiciary completely independent from politics.

The real proactive hope experienced in several initiatives similar to Gelephu, demonstrates that the full holistic sustainability needed to overcome polycrises is easier to put into practice than one might think: just start from the truth of the facts, seasoned with trust in others, tenderness and promotion of competent, creative and circular leadership*.
*Source: https://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=209582


Sandro Calvani
NP November 2024