While Bhutan is globally known for its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the country is now taking bold, purposeful steps to shape its economic future – on its own terms. From building a pioneering "mindfulness city" to empowering entrepreneurs who blend innovation with impact, Bhutan is carving out a distinct course balancing tradition and transformation.

What does sustainable urban development look like in Bhutan? How is the country balancing local identity with global opportunity? And in what ways are digital transformation and entrepreneurship shaping its economic landscape?
In this Talk at the Library – held off-site at Lechbinska Forum – we welcome two of Bhutan's leading changemakers. Rabsel Dorji, Chief of Communications for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, will share the story behind Bhutan's most ambitious development initiative to date – envisioned by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck – a visionary special administrative region designed around sustainability, spirituality, and regional connectivity. Sangay Tshering, founder of Green E-Solutions and President of the Loden Foundation, will explore how Bhutan’s next generation of entrepreneurs is building businesses that are both financially viable and socially meaningful.

Angela Lyn has been pursuing her journey as an artist for over 50 years. Her persistent enquiry into how we get through to each other in a world of increasing distraction renders her work contemporary. Lyn's multi-disciplinary approach examines what connects us rather than what separates us. The explorations in her artistic language resonate with authenticity, whether in her paintings, installations, writings or performance.

Lechbinska Forum is delighted to reflect with Angela on her exhibition, navigating time and space in Kunstmuseum Thun, where we will discuss aspects of her art as a fundamental means of communication and shared human experience.

Door opens 13:00

📍Mühlebachstrasse 14, CH-8008 Zürich

Das Lechbinska Forum lädt Sie herzlich ein zu einem Künstler*innengespräch mit Annelies Štrba und der Schriftstellerin und Literaturübersetzerin Ilma Rakusa. Ilma Rakusa ist Trägerin des Schweizer Buchpreises 2009 und mit goldenen Ehrenmedaillen der Kanton Zürich 2025 gezeichnet.

Štrba und Rakusa verbindet eine langjährige Freundschaft und ein intensiver künstlerischer Austausch. Bei dieser besonderen Veranstaltung wird Ilma Rakusa ausgewählte Gedichte und Kurzprosa lesen – im Dialog mit den ausgestellten Werken von Annelies Štrba.

The Lechbinska Forum warmly invites you to join us for an artist talk featuring Annelies Štrba and writer and literary translator Ilma Rakusa. Ilma Rakusa is the winner of the 2009 Swiss Book Prize and has been awarded the Canton of Zurich 2025 Gold Medal of Honor.

Longtime friends and creative companions, Štrba and Rakusa have shared a deep artistic dialogue over the years. During this special event, Ilma Rakusa will read selected poems and short prose, presented in dialogue with Annelies Štrba’s works on view in the space.

Door opens 18:15
The event is in German.

📍Mühlebachstrasse 14, CH-8008 Zürich

Discover the timeless Korean tradition of bojagi, the elegant art of wrapping with fabric. In this interactive event, you’ll learn practical techniques to wrap gifts beautifully and sustainably using square cloths—no tape or scissors required. Whether you're preparing for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions, this workshop will equip you with the skills to wrap any item with creativity.

Course instructor: Bo Young Son, Switzerland Chapter President, Korea Bojagi Art Association
- 30-minute theory presentation
- 30-minute break
- 1-hour Bojagi wrapping session

📍Mühlebachstrasse 14, CH-8008 Zürich