4th Australia-Bhutan Research Conference

The 4th Australia-Bhutan Research Conference (ABRC) will be hosted at the ANU in partnership with the Crawford School of Public Policy, Murdoch University and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy Canberra. The conference comes at an important juncture in Bhutan's development journey. Bhutan is currently implementing transformative national initiatives, including the 13th Five–Year Plan, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), and the Bhutan 21st Century Economic Roadmap (10X Vision). In this context, the 4th ABRC seeks to continue to provide a multidisciplinary platform for researchers, policymakers and development practitioners to exchange ideas, showcase research, explore collaborative opportunities, and contribute to policy discussions relevant to Bhutan's development priorities as well as Australia–Bhutan relations. The conference aims to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen research networks, support evidence-based policymaking, foster collaborative research and capacity building, and enhance awareness of Bhutan’s transformation initiatives.

The theme for the 4th ABRC is “Reimagining Bhutan’s Development for the 21st Century” and four sub–themes:

1. STEM—Potential and Prospects

2. Socio-economic Development—Challenges and Opportunities

3. Sustainability/Environment—Conserving and Navigating

4. Culture, Tradition and Values—Preserving and Adapting

Event Venues:

• November 16 (morning): Molonglo Theatre

• November 16 (afternoon) – November 17: Acton Theatre

Some funding may be available for eligible participants to cover partial expenses for interstate travel.

Please contact lhawang.ugyel@anu.edu.au for additional information.

If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, please email lhawang.ugyel@anu.edu.au. 

This event may be recorded to be used for commercial purposes by the University in any and all media. Please be aware that your presence means you are consenting to the use of your likeness for the above stated purpose. 

The information collected upon registration is governed by the ANU Privacy Policy. The ANU is committed to protecting personal information provided by you in accordance withthe Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the information will be protected against unauthorised access and use. 

This event is hosted by the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy. A copy of your registration details will be shared with the event host for event planning and marketing purposes. The information will be used by authorised staff for the purpose for which it was collected, and any other purpose which you have expressly consented to. 

You can withdraw your registration any time by contacting marketing.CLGP@anu.edu.au.