Bhutan's guiding philosophy since 1972 has been the principle of ‘Gross National Happiness’ (GNH) which seeks to integrate sustainable and equitable economic development with environmental conservation, good governance, and preservation and promotion of the country’s ancient culture and profound traditions. On the other hand, rapid modernization and the lure of consumerism may accentuate materialist tendencies that could undermine the environmental, social, and cultural pillars of GNH.  In order to make GNH a living reality in Bhutan, the Prime Minister, Lyonchen Jigmi Thinley, has identified two particular actions that he believes are essential in order to guide and shape the country’s development far into the future. Both are far-reaching, systemic, and designed to ensure that GNH becomes embedded in the structure of the country’s institutions and the consciousness of its people.  • The first action is to bring GNH principles, approaches, and examples into the country’s educational system and curricula at every level — from kindergarten and first grade through high school graduation and into tertiary education.  •  The second action is to create an inspiring living model of GNH in practice, located in the country’s spiritual heartland of Bumthang in central Bhutan—a centre where sustainability practices are demonstrated at every level and where civil servants, teachers, students, and ordinary Bhutanese can come to take long and short courses that renew their commitment to environmental protection, cultural promotion, sustainable economic practices, and responsible and accountable leadership.