05/08/2026
National dialogue calls for inclusive and responsible digital transformation
THIMPHU, August 5 - More than 60 representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, corporations, academia, the media, the private sector and youth groups gathered in Thimphu today to discuss how Bhutan can build a more inclusive, safe and accountable digital future.
The high-level national dialogue on inclusive digital transformation and responsible digital governance in Bhutan, organised by the Journalists' Association of Bhutan (JAB) with support from the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) South Asia, brought together 63 participants, including seven panelists. Of the participants, 30 were women, reflecting broad representation from institutions shaping Bhutan's digital landscape.
The dialogue featured a panel discussion involving representatives from key government agencies, technical experts, civil society organisations, youth, legal professionals and Pelsung of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), who shared diverse perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of Bhutan's digital transformation.
Participants included officials from the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, GovTech Agency, Anti-Corruption Commission, researchers from the National Assembly, academics, legal experts, former Members of Parliament, civil society organisations, Bhutan Telecom, media professionals, journalists, freelancers and private individuals.
The dialogue focused on how Bhutan can ensure that digital transformation remains inclusive, citizen-centred and responsive as the country continues to expand digital public services and adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Discussions highlighted the importance of engaging citizens in developing digital policies, strengthening digital literacy and media literacy, promoting responsible online behaviour, improving access to affordable digital services and ensuring that young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to participate confidently in the digital economy.
Panelists also stressed that digital transformation should go beyond the adoption of technology. They said meaningful transformation requires appropriate policies, capable institutions, continuous learning, innovation and active public participation to ensure that digital technologies benefit all sections of society.
The dialogue provided a platform for government agencies, civil society, media organisations and other stakeholders to exchange ideas on strengthening collaboration in addressing emerging issues such as misinformation, information integrity, online safety, platform accountability and responsible digital governance.
The discussion drew on findings from the DDI Bhutan Digital Landscape Assessment, which recognises Bhutan's significant progress under the Digital Drukyul initiative through expanded digital public services, digital identity systems and e-governance. At the same time, the assessment identifies several challenges, including uneven digital and media literacy, affordability and connectivity gaps, limited participation of women and marginalised communities, and the growing need for stronger digital governance and platform accountability.
Speaking at the dialogue, participants agreed that addressing these challenges requires a whole-of-society approach involving government institutions, educators, media organisations, civil society, the private sector and citizens. They emphasised that digital transformation should not be driven by technology alone but by policies and partnerships that place people at the centre of digital development.
According to the organisers, one of the dialogue's key achievements was bringing together policymakers, practitioners and citizens to discuss common priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration. The dialogue also reinforced the importance of engaging the public, particularly young people, in shaping Bhutan's digital future.
Recommendations from the dialogue will be consolidated into an advocacy brief to help inform future initiatives on digital governance, digital inclusion, digital literacy and responsible digital transformation in Bhutan.
