The Bhutan Innovation Forum, set to take place at Dungkar Dzong in Pangbisa, Paro, will run for three days during the first week of October. This landmark event will be hosted in a unique venue that blends Bhutan’s cultural heritage with a forward-looking design, epitomising His Majesty The King’s vision for the nation. Dungkar Dzong, the largest and newest of its kind, serves as a hub for education, innovation, and global dialogue, making it an ideal setting for this ground breaking forum.
The venue for the three-day Bhutan Innovation Forum could not be more apt. The fortress, majestically towering over the Pangbisa Valley is a beautiful blend of heritage and innovation. Established by His Majesty The King, the dzong houses the Druk Gyalpo’s Institute.
Located 18 kilometres from Paro town, on a hilltop overlooking the serene valley beneath, Dungkar Dzong was named by His Majesty The King, establishing a link to Dungkar village in the north-eastern district of Lhuentse where the Wangchuck Dynasty has its roots.
Besides being unique in its construction technology, Dungkar Dzong has a new purpose as well- it serves as a hub for education, innovation and global dialogue.
Karma Thinley, Zimpoen Wom and Project Director of The Royal Academy said ‘‘The physical structure of the Dungkar Dzong resembles other dzongs in Bhutan. I feel the key difference lies in the integration of traditional design with modern elements. Secondly, it has various facilities such as a library, a conference hall and seminar halls for both national and international conferences. Moreover, campus is disability-friendly, which has amenities such as elevators and ramps.’’
He added that the function of the dzong is also unique compared to other dzongs.
‘‘In line with the education reform, the dzong houses the Druk Gyaplo’s Institute, which has an education research centre, a teacher development centre, and a school. Moreover, with these advanced conference facilities, Dungkar Dzong has become a prominent venue for national and international conferences.”
He said Dungkar Dzong is an ideal venue for the Bhutan Innovation Forum, as it represents Bhutan’s transformation by seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
Its design fosters innovation and global collaboration, making it the perfect setting for such forward-thinking initiatives.
The Dungkar Dzong holds significant importance to the country representing Bhutan’s evolving identity, merging traditional architecture with modern education and innovation goals.
And on the onset of a new month, this grand structure will host a thousand local and international speakers and attendees to explore solutions for a new beginning for Bhutan.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Kipchu
