NextGen 2026
2026 BHUTAN RETREAT
Exclusively invited by the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Alliance For Good NextGen delegation travelled to Bhutan for a special leadership and cultural immersion programme, marking a meaningful continuation of AFG’s relationship with Bhutan following Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s attendance at AFG’s 2025 Business & Philanthropy Forum.
From 8–12 April 2026, NextGen leaders gathered in the Himalayan kingdom for the NextGen Leaders Summit — a flagship five-day programme organised by Alliance For Good (Singapore) in partnership with the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF). The summit brought 15+ NextGen Global Leaders together with a University of Cambridge delegation for leadership dialogue, site visits, and education-led engagement across Paro and Thimphu, in the home of Gross National Happiness.
A highlight of the programme included a private reception and greetings by members of the Royal Family, offering delegates a rare opportunity to engage more closely with Bhutan’s leadership, values, and long-term vision for purposeful development.
The programme centred on six themes: leadership dialogue, youth development, entrepreneurship, cultural immersion, Gross National Happiness, and wellbeing — with meetings with senior government officials, including representatives from Gelephu Mindfulness City, a workshop with young Bhutanese entrepreneurs, and a wellbeing session grounded in Bhutanese values.
Moments from the NextGen Leaders Summit, Bhutan, 8–12 April 2026.
THE PROGRAMME
Arrival & Grounding
On Day 1 (Wednesday, 8 April), delegates arrived at Paro International Airport for a warm meet-and-greet by the Bhutan Youth Development Fund and Druk International Tours, before transferring to Thimphu and checking in at the Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel. After a welcome lunch, an afternoon of cultural sightseeing took in the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma and Changyul Park, closing with an official welcome dinner at the Babesa Village Heritage Home.
Leadership & Dialogue
Day 2 (Thursday, 9 April) opened with meetings and networking with Bhutan Youth Development Fund senior management and a royal audience window at Raven House, followed by a session with Gelephu Mindfulness City officials exploring Bhutan’s long-term vision for purposeful development. The day closed with a curated networking dinner at The Pema.
Wellbeing & Entrepreneurship
Day 3 (Friday, 10 April) centred on a wellbeing and mindfulness workshop at the Bhutan Institute of Wellbeing in Tshaluna, led by a Buddhist scholar and human-values practitioners, grounded in Bhutanese values and Gross National Happiness. This was followed by an interactive workshop with young entrepreneurs and Pelsuup and KidsMBA alumni at Innovate Bhutan, with an open evening to explore Thimphu.
Summit & Departure
Day 4 (Saturday, 11 April) began with an early departure to Paro for the iconic 5–6 hour hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), followed by check-in at the Tashi Namgay Resort and free time to explore Paro town. On Day 5 (Sunday, 12 April), coordinated morning transfers brought delegates to Paro International Airport for departures to Bangkok, Singapore and Delhi — carrying renewed connections and shared intentions into the year ahead.
