Long after statistics fade and timelines blur, what one year truly leaves behind are immortal images and powerful moments. In 2025, such images and portraits form a living chronicle of a nation moving forward under extraordinary leadership and we see a year in which leadership was not merely exercised, but profoundly lived.
2025 saw Bhutan shaping its future with clarity and confidence. One of the most striking symbols of this forward momentum was the construction of the country’s international airport in Gelephu. While it may be an infrastructure project, it represents a mindset, of openness without compromise and one of progress anchored in purpose. Leadership is essential to bring such projects to fruition and the Gelephu airport is a product of leadership marked by vision – His Majesty the King – equipped with the ability to look beyond the present and prepare Bhutan for a world that is changing rapidly.
This same foresight was seen as Pelsung, the Guardians of Prosperity, was launched. In this launch we see His Majesty’s wisdom and the understanding that prosperity must be safeguarded against uncertainty and guided so that future generations inherit not just wealth, but skills, stability, dignity, and security.
As the year unfolded, the world’s gaze turned toward Bhutan. Thousands of people and eminent Buddhist masters from across the globe converged for the Global Peace Prayers and the sacred Kalachakra. Bhutan transcended geography and politics, and emerged as a spiritual anchor for humanity. The images remain unforgettable: prayer flags fluttering, chants resonating, monks and laypeople united in devotion, and an entire nation offering peace to a restless world. Here, His Majesty’s leadership is revealed as the source of inspiration, supported by compassion, and faith. It was this leadership that understood that Bhutan’s greatest contribution to the world lies not in size or strength, but in spiritual depth and ethical clarity.
The year was further illuminated by the nationwide celebration of the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. This was not merely a commemoration of a milestone; it was a reaffirmation of values that continue to define Bhutan. Gratitude flowed across generations as the nation reflected on a reign that reshaped its destiny—ushering in democracy, safeguarding culture, and prioritizing the well-being of the people. The celebration became a bridge between eras, reminding Bhutan of how far it has come and how carefully its path has been guided. Yet again, it was His Majesty’s leadership that enabled Bhutan to pay due and necessary homage to the father of Bhutan – His Majesty the Fourth King.
One of the most striking and emotionally resonant images of 2025 emerged from Gelephu itself as people offered Zhabtog or voluntary labour. It began with Their Majesties the King and Queen and Their Royal Highnesses the Gyalseys taking the lead. The public followed. People arrived with tools, machinery, and supplies. Farmers, civil servants, professionals, and youth stood shoulder to shoulder, voluntarily offering their labor as the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) began to rise. They were not summoned by decree or obligation—they came willingly, inspired by example, by His Majesty the King, who was present, not as a distant authority, but as the first servant of the vision.
Bhutan’s economic confidence reached new heights in 2025 with the launch of TER, backed by a sovereign guarantee—an unmistakable signal of stability, credibility, and institutional strength. This was made possible by leadership; one marked by boldness and responsibility, willing to take decisive steps while fully owning their consequences. This confidence was further reinforced by an extraordinary commitment of USD 2 billion toward GMC, personally driven by His Majesty. It was a declaration to both the nation and the world that Bhutan’s future would be built deliberately, sustainably, and with courage.
Even before these milestones, bonds for the Gelephu Investment and Development Corporation (GIDC) were disbursed to the people in an act that deepened national ownership and participation. This was leadership that believed in its people and invited them to be stakeholders in the nation’s transformation. It reflected trust as a governing principle, strengthening the bond between state and citizen.
We see His Majesty’s leadership threaded through every one of these defining moments. We see a leader clear in intent, decisive in action, and deeply personal in responsibility. We see leadership not confined to policy documents or ceremonial speeches, but leadership shaping institutions, mobilizing people, inspiring faith, and commanding respect far beyond Bhutan’s borders. We see leadership blending vision with discipline, courage with compassion, and ambition with restraint.
Thus, Bhutan in 2025 saw leadership emerge as the nation’s most defining feature. History will record 2025 for its milestones: airports, cities, economic instruments, and global gatherings. But Bhutan will remember it differently. It will remember prayers rising into the sky, hands lifting stones, people walking beside their King, and a nation daring to dream with confidence. It will remember 2025 as the year when leadership stood tallest, guiding Bhutan not only forward, but upward, toward a future shaped by purpose, unity, and unwavering resolve.
Ugyen Tenzin
From Thimphu
