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His Excellency Tshering Tobgay

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Born on 19th September 1965. Completed early education in Bhutan. Obtained Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Obtained Master’s degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, USA. Opposition Leader in the National Assembly of Bhutan from 2008 to 2013. Prime Minister of Bhutan from 2013 to 2018; re-elected in January 2024. A dedicated civil servant before entering politics, with particular focus on developing policies and programs to enhance technical education and vocational training in Bhutan. Commitment to social welfare extended beyond official duties – volunteered to establish Bhutan’s first Youth Center and form the Education Staff Welfare Scheme. He was the first official to resign from his civil service position to participate in Bhutan’s transition to a parliamentary democracy and played a pivotal role in founding the People’s Democratic Party, the first registered political party in Bhutan for which he continues to serve as president. A strong advocate of Gross National Happiness, he has spoken on leadership, conservation, climate change, poverty, democracy, and happiness at the United Nations, TED, and various international conferences. In recognition of his contributions, His Majesty The King conferred the Royal Orange Scarf in 2008 and again in 2013. In 2014, received the Royal Lungmar Scarf from His Majesty The King. Married to Tashi Doma; has two children.

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Part 2: A Conversation with Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan

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