Introduction
The Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), Bhutan’s premier leadership institute and think tank, was established by His Majesty The King in 2013. As an autonomous, not-for-profit institution, RIGSS is dedicated to advancing excellence in leadership, governance, and strategic studies.
The Kings of Bhutan have provided unprecedented leadership and selfless service, guiding the nation through more than a century of change and progress. This timeless legacy of leadership continues to shape the country and its people, enabling Bhutan to successfully transition to a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy in 2008 and to peacefully conclude three rounds of parliamentary elections.
Democracy in Bhutan, often described as “a gift from the Golden Throne,” is taking firm root under the inspiration of His Majesty The King’s vision, dynamism, and leadership. Just as Bhutan’s transition to democracy was unique in its depth and purpose, the nation’s democratic journey holds tremendous promise to be progressive and distinctive—one that fulfils the aspirations of the people while strengthening the long-term objectives of a sovereign, united, and happy nation. Achieving this vision requires strong institutions to support and promote democracy.
The Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), Bhutan’s premier leadership institute and think tank, was established by His Majesty The King in 2013. As an autonomous, not-for-profit institution, RIGSS is dedicated to advancing excellence in leadership, governance, and strategic studies.
RIGSS plays a vital role in strengthening the foundations of democracy and good governance through leadership development, research, and public education.
At this critical juncture in Bhutan’s history, RIGSS is repositioning itself to fulfil the enhanced mandate of supporting the leadership development for the Gelephu Mindfulness City and realizing the Diamond Strategy enunciated by His Majesty the King on 17 December 2024.
Alumni
RIGSS offers leadership programs tailored for diverse audiences across different sectors. In addition to equipping leaders with essential skills and tools, these programs provide comprehensive insights into national issues, emerging trends, and strategic challenges. For a small nation like Bhutan, with its distinct economic, geographical, and geopolitical realities, it is imperative that leaders cultivate a deep understanding of the country’s opportunities and challenges. RIGSS provides an important forum for current and future decision-makers to come together, forge shared aspirations, and chart practical pathways for national progress.
In parallel, RIGSS has established its Research Wing, which focuses on five core areas: data analysis, foreign policy, national security, emerging technologies, and finance. The institute also convenes a range of public events, including the Friday Forum Lectures, RIGSS Dialogues, Policy Debates, and Policy Seminars, to encourage informed public discourse.
RIGSS has been an active partner for De-suung and Gyalsung providing training courses for thousands of Bhutanese youth annually.
Beyond Bhutan, RIGSS works in partnership with the Centre for Escalation of Peace (CEP) in New Delhi to organize the India-Bhutan Dialogue (IBD), a Track II mechanism to foster bilateral relations, and the India-Bhutan Youth Summit (IBYS), which seeks to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation of India-Bhutan relations among young people in both countries.
Looking ahead, RIGSS will undertake various reforms in the near future to meet the enhanced mandate for serving the leadership training and development needs for the GMC and potential international clients.