Introduction

The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and wants to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic, and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversations on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. As we enter the 12th year of publication, we wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.

Generations in Transition

Spring 2026 Volume 12, Issue 1

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface

Societal Developments

Bridging Generations – Creating Bhutan’s Future Through Collaborative Wisdom
Tshoejab Mepham Denlen

The Current Model of Bhutan’s Health Care System is Unsustainable
Dr. Pem Namgyal

Financing Bhutan’s Future: Reimagining Bhutan’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Yangchen Dolkar Dorji

From Passive Observers to Active Participants: A Nation Between Generations
Tsheten Lhamo

Generation Z at the Crossroads: Psychosocial Challenges and Intergenerational Futures in Bhutanese Higher Education
Kezang Sherab and John Howard

Graduation from United Nations Least Developed Country Category: Change and Opportunity
Dr. Lindsay Skog

The Diaspora

Should Bhutan reimagine its identity? Youth Aspirations, Outmigration and Values
Tandin Dorji

Silent Transitions in Family and Care in Contemporary Bhutan
Tshering Palden

Cultural Intersection and Education: a Case Study of Identity Formation of Bhutanese Children Living in Perth, Australia
Tenzin Dorji and Kinley Rinchen

Generations in Transition: Negotiating Transnational Identity and Gross National Happiness Among Bhutanese Youth in Perth
Tashi Dorji and Dr. Karma Jamtsho

Life Goes On

Bhutan’s Retired Generation Still Clearing Ground
Sonam Tobden Rabgye and Namgay Choden

Generations in Transition: Roles of Retired Senior Public Servants
Dasho Zangley Dukpa

Bhutan’s Aging Population, Migration and Healthcare Challenges
Thuji Lhamu

Social Protection Managed across Bhutanese Generations
Sonam Choden Wangdi

Designing a Long Life in a Time of Generations in Transition
Elżbieta Jablonska

Contributors