About
TEDxThimphu 2026
Gross Global Inspiration
Why This Event Matters
On 20 March 2026, Bhutan will host a TEDx event after 10 years in Thimphu under the theme Gross Global Inspiration.
The world is asking big questions about climate, inequality, and purpose. Bhutan offers an answer through its timeless philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) — a reminder that progress is not just about what we build, but why we build it.
What to Expect
This event will bring together thinkers, creators, and changemakers from Bhutan and
beyond to share ideas that:
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Offer solutions built on empathy and wisdom
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Challenge growth is measured only in numbers.
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Bridge local traditions with global challenges
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Inspire leadership that is purposeful and humane.
Bhutan’s Moment
That philosophy is alive today in the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a Royal Initiative of His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. It’s more than a city — it’s a living experiment in harmony, innovation, and human wellbeing. TEDxThimphu 2026 connects this national story to a global stage, showing how Bhutan’s voice can guide conversations about the future.
x = independently organized event
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and a connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze $6.6 billion in funding for projects that support bold solutions to the world's most urgent challenges — working to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.
TEDxThimphu is Bhutan’s call to the world.
A call to think deeper.
A call to act with compassion.
A call to find inspiration that sparks real change.
Join us in Thimphu — or online — and be part of a conversation that belongs not just to Bhutan, but to humanity.
Register now