A delegation from The Australian National University (ANU) has met with the Kingdom of Bhutan's King, Princess and Prime Minister during a landmark visit that reinforced the University's longstanding relationship with the Himalayan kingdom and marked the launch of a new hub at ANU dedicated to Bhutan studies.
Led by Professor Janine O'Flynn, Director of the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, the delegation met with royal and political leaders, reconnected with ANU alumni in senior government positions, and launched new initiatives to strengthen public policymaking.
“We met with many friends, old and new,” said Professor O’Flynn.
Among the highlights was an audience with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
“I was deeply honoured to lead our Crawford School of Public Policy delegation for an audience with His Majesty. Over two hours, we spoke of many things – His Majesty's vision for the future of his nation, his affection for Australia, and big questions related to technology, demography, development, public policy and more,” said Professor O'Flynn.
The King welcomed the establishment of the new Hub for Bhutan Studies at ANU and invited the University to continue sharing its expertise as Bhutan pursues its ambitious goals.
In discussions with Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, the delegation explored key priorities, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, artificial intelligence and technology governance, climate and agricultural policy, and demographic change.
“The Prime Minister shared some deeply personal advice with our delegation, encouraging us to take the time to truly experience the beauty of Bhutan, he reminded us that to protect a place, you must first deeply understand what you are working to save,” said Professor O’Flynn.
A major milestone of the visit was the official launch of the University's Hub for Bhutan Studies in Thimphu, attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck.
Based at the Crawford School and led by ANU alumnus Dr Lhawang Ugyel, the Hub will provide a focal point for the University's longstanding relationship with Bhutan. It aims to strengthen research and knowledge exchange on Bhutan, support evidence-based policymaking, and build capabilities of Bhutanese civil servants and independent researchers.
The delegation met several ANU alumni now holding senior positions in Bhutan's government and public service, including Opposition Leader Dasho Pema Chewang; Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji; Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Dasho Karma Wangchuk; and former Ambassador to Australia and current Director General of the Department of Bilateral Affairs, His Excellency Sonam Tobgay.
The visit also marked a new chapter in the Crawford School's partnership with Bhutan's Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), with two initiatives launched to strengthen public sector capability: Bhutan's inaugural Civil Service Census and the Strategic Training for Evidence-Based Policymaking (STEP) program.
Developed in partnership with the RCSC, the initiatives draw on ANU expertise in public administration, research and policy education. Professor O'Flynn along with ANU academics Professor Long Chu, Professor Kate Henne and Professor Jane Golley contributed to the STEP program, which brings together senior executives and technical specialists to strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
The new Hub for Bhutan Studies provides a dedicated platform for ANU to deepen its engagement with Bhutan through research, education and policy collaboration.
Learn more about the Crawford School of Public Policy
Images: Hannah Scott/ANU
