CGE was invited to speak and present at the 7th Gross National Happiness Conference held in Thimphu, Bhutan, located high in the Himalayas. Dr. Wendy Bignold representing Liverpool Hope University and David Bishop representing AmeriStudy also participated. The main host for GNH, the Center for Bhutan Studies led by Dasho Karma Ura, is a key partner for CGE. Dasho Karma has previously hosted CGE in Bhutan and was a a keynote speaker at the 2009 CGE Annual Meeting at DBU.
During the conference, Dr. Carolyn Bishop spoke to their request for opportunities for USA students to engage overseas in international business projects, entrepreneurship, and internships. Dr. Bishop shared in relation to CGE member universities with projects in Asia, South Asia, North Africa and the Middle East illustrating the impact CGE students have when using their classroom skills and degree expertise to plan and create models for new micro-enterprises and sustainable projects in strategic global settings. Dasho Karma Ura opened the conference for the 177 global visitors representing 30 nations and the 200 Bhutanese attendees with the Prime Minister Dasho Ushering Tobgay. In addition, Exhibitions of Bhutanese cultural dancing was appreciated by all attendees.
Additionally, CGE was honored to be invited for the only private meeting with the Prime Minister of Bhutan during the conference. Dasho Karma Ura, President of the Centre for Bhutan Studies, arranged for this due to CGE’s long partnership. The CGE group met with PM Dasho Ushering Tobgay at his residence near the governmental office complex where the Prime Minister expressed support of Bhutanese students coming to CGE universities and pledged his support for qualified students. Moreover, CGE delegates discussed cooperation with faculty and short term study opportunities. CGE also presented his Excellency with CGE’s 30th Anniversary Global Leaders crystal tower in appreciation for our visit and CGE’s 30th year and Dr. Wendy Bignold of Liverpool Hope University invited the PM and students to the June 2018 Big Hope 2 International Youth Conference to be held at their campus.
In addition to the conference, Vice Chancellor Nidup welcomed CGE to the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). As one of the co-sponsors for the GNH International Conference, the university highlighted their campuses which serve students all over Bhutan. CGE had the opportunity to share information about current CGE member interests in international business opportunities for students and faculty including short study programs and internships. RUB leadership shared their interests in students, especially at the Master’s level, coming to study in the USA. RUB partners closely with the Centre for Bhutanese Study, CGE’s main partner in Bhutan for research projects and educational cooperation.
Finally, Chairman Dasho Karma Tshiteem of the Civil Service Commission also met with CGE delegates during the GNH conference. Dasho Tshiteem emphasized the vast need for teachers to gain additional training and advanced degrees. CGE members have an opportunity to partner by leading teacher training certificate programs in Bhutan and the opportunity for some key teachers to begin a Masters in Education with some time on the USA campus and some online coursework.
|