Bhutan to host inaugural Asia Visionary Summit in 2026

Bhutan will host the inaugural Asia Visionary Summit from 6 to 8 November 2026 under the patronage of His Majesty The King, bringing together fewer than 500 global leaders to discuss innovation, sustainability and the future of Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Bhutan will host the inaugural Asia Visionary Summit (AVS) from 6 to 8 November 2026, bringing together global leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, investors and policymakers for an invitation-only forum focused on innovation, sustainability and leadership.

According to the organisers, the summit will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. It is intended to support the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) while providing a platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping Asia's future.

The summit is expected to be one of Bhutan's most significant international leadership gatherings, bringing together decision makers from government, business, science and civil society.

An invitation-only gathering of global leaders

Unlike a conventional conference, the Asia Visionary Summit is limited to fewer than 500 invited delegates.

According to the organisers, attendees will include heads of state, cabinet ministers, Fortune 500 chief executives, world-renowned scientists, Silicon Valley founders, sovereign wealth fund leaders and cultural and spiritual figures. The summit aims to encourage cross-sector dialogue by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss long term solutions to global challenges.

Five pillars guiding the discussions

The programme is structured around five themes that the organisers describe as defining issues of the present decade:

• Ecology and Conservation
  Examining Bhutan's approach to environmental conservation and the role of nature in sustainable development.
• Artificial Intelligence
  Exploring AI as a transformative technology while considering the ethical and societal responsibilities that accompany its rapid development.
• Clean Energy and Climate
  Discussing Asia's transition towards cleaner energy systems and strategies for addressing climate change.
• Medicine and Human Longevity
  Looking at advances in healthcare, genomics and improving equitable access to medical innovation.
• Conscious Leadership
  Exploring values-based leadership, responsible investment and governance that seeks to balance economic growth with social and environmental wellbeing.
• Supporting Gelephu Mindfulness City

The summit is closely linked with Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan's Special Administrative Region established by Royal Charter in December 2024.

According to the organisers, the event is intended to bring together international expertise, investment and entrepreneurship that align with the city's long term vision for sustainable and mindful development.

Road to AVS discovers emerging founders

Ahead of the summit, the organisers are running Road to AVS, a founder discovery programme across South and Southeast Asia.

The initiative will travel to countries including Thailand, Japan, India, Nepal and Vietnam, with the aim of identifying purpose-driven entrepreneurs whose work addresses regional and global challenges.

Selected founders will be invited to present their ventures at the summit in Bhutan, receive international exposure and explore opportunities to establish their businesses within Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Programme and speakers

The three-day summit will begin at Dungkar Dzong in Paro, one of Bhutan's historic districts and home to the country's only international airport. The programme will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, founder presentations and networking sessions.

The organisers have announced that the summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, founder presentations and networking sessions.

Among the advisers named so far are Joi Ito, President of the Chiba Institute of Technology and a board member of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, and venture capital executive Teruhide Sato. Additional speakers and programme details are expected to be announced ahead of the event.

Raven Concert to close the summit

The summit will conclude with the Raven Concert at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.

According to the organisers, the concert is expected to attract more than 10,000 people and feature artists from across Asia performing a blend of folk, contemporary and sacred music. Inspired by Bhutan's national raven symbolism, the event is intended to extend the summit's conversations beyond invited delegates through a public cultural celebration.

Strengthening Bhutan's international engagement

The Asia Visionary Summit reflects Bhutan's growing role as a venue for international dialogue on innovation, sustainability and responsible development.

By bringing together leaders from government, business, science and culture, the organisers hope the summit will encourage new partnerships and ideas while introducing participants to Bhutan's development philosophy and the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City.

As preparations continue for the inaugural event, the summit represents another opportunity for Bhutan to engage with regional and global conversations on the future of technology, leadership and sustainable development.