The Friday Forum is the Institute’s flagship public lecture series. Under this banner the institute brings eminent speakers from around the world that include great thinkers, change-makers, spiritual masters, scholars, politicians and the like to deliver talks in Bhutan. Organized usually on Friday evenings, the Friday Forum is a public lecture and interaction forum that lasts for an hour and a half including Q&A session.

The lectures are either held at the institute in Phuentsholing or in other places such as the capital. The lectures are advertised in advance through the institute’s website, mainstream media as well as on social media. These lectures are open to the public and anyone interested can register online through the institute’s website. Seats are allotted on first-come-first-served basis, and entry is free.

Given the eminence of the speakers and the relevance of the topics, the RIGSS Friday Forum has successfully captured the attention and attendance of a wide range of audience including cabinet ministers, senior public officials, parliamentarians, scholars, university students, businessmen etc. Their Majesties The King and Queen have also graced some of the RIGSS Friday Forum lectures.

As of date, RIGSS has conducted twenty-two Friday Forum lectures as listed below: