International Conference on Urban Development and Wellbeing

16-17 May 2019

The International Conference on Urban Development and Wellbeing will be held from 16-17 May 2019 at Thimphu, Bhutan to be organized by the Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies.

Urban development – from planning, to funding, to building and to managing – has the potential to address urban challenges, nurture opportunities and help emerging cities experiencing urban strain transform into smart cities. 

How will rapid urbanisation affect Bhutan and elsewhere? What smart solutions will make urban areas more liveable, more sustainable and happier? How can we make sure that they are more liveable and happier for everyone?

There remains limited knowledge, but growing interest, in how to effectively design and develop urban centres to positively contribute to societal wellbeing. Bhutan is now considering an approach to urban development aligned with happiness and wellbeing, which will be beneficial not only for Bhutan but also for other governments and urban stakeholders around the world.

The International Conference on Urban Development and Wellbeing aspires to generate new dialogues with these stakeholders including policy-makers, mayors and city administrators, urban planners and architects, industry players and leaders in civil society.

The conference will include theoretical visions for better cities, academic studies targeting specific urban issues, and practical applications of sustainable urban initiatives to improve infrastructure, services and thus, happiness for citizens and residents.

We invite papers on the following themes:

The Built Environment

• Natural Spaces: How do we preserve existing blue and green bodies and design blue and green infrastructure? How do we integrate natural spaces into our communities?
• Commercial Spaces: How can commercial spaces, such as retail and offices, contribute to a happier community?
• Residential Spaces: How do we ensure affordable housing for low-income workers and families? How can our housing developments foster better social and physical health?
• Public Spaces: How do we develop and transform public spaces to promote a greater sense of community? How can these spaces support better governance?

Infrastructure and City Services

• Sewerage and Waste Management: What initiatives should we adopt for a more dynamic, sustainable approach to dealing with the mountains of waste we produce?
• Power Supply: How can we provide access to all of our city residents? What affordable options are there for renewable energy sources?
• Water Supply: How do we maintain a clean water supply and, with intensified weather events, how resilient is our water infrastructure? What role can or should the private sector play?
• Road and Transportation Networks: How do we foster an ethos of green travel while getting people where they need to be in a timely manner?
• Social Infrastructure: What are the resources available to support education and healthcare, and how can we efficiently provide them? Where are our schools and hospitals located to maximize convenience?

Investments and Financing

• Urban Economy: What infrastructure and urban layouts need will encourage business investment? How can new development spur innovation, job creation and upskilling?
• Private Sector: What is the role of the private sector in urban development financing?
• Policy Frameworks: How can business-friendly policies be crafted to encourage investment and be responsive to resident requirements for affordability and livability?
• Technology: What investments in technology are necessary to attract businesses, spur business development, and enhance social progress and inclusion?

Abstracts submission for the conference was closed on 20th March 2019.

For Bhutanese and expats living in Bhutan, the registration is open till 8th May 2019.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bhutan.

Venue: Zhichenkhar, Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies.

For further information please contact Sangay Chophel at schophel@bhutanstudies.org.bt