Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming global economies and individual lives, automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and personalizing experiences across sectors from industry to healthcare. However, this swift advancement introduces significant challenges, including critical concerns over data privacy, the amplification of biases, and issues of transparency and accountability due to AI’s “black box” nature. Furthermore, the substantial energy and water consumption of AI data centers contribute to environmental concerns like global warming, adding another layer of complexity to its societal impact. Addressing these complex ethical and practical considerations through robust governance and continuous oversight is paramount to ensuring AI’s development truly benefits humanity.
Hosted in Bhutan—the world’s only carbon-negative country and the birthplace of Gross National Happiness—this conference explores the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence through the lens of ethics, consciousness, and sustainability. The event brings together global experts to discuss AI’s impact on governance, security, and human well-being. Held in honor of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 70th birth anniversary and graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechen Wangchuck, the conference offers a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on AI’s future, set against Bhutan’s serene landscape and rich cultural heritage.
The conference is jointly organized by JSW School of Law and Anand & Anand, India’s leading IP law firm.
AI is a transformative force reshaping economies, demanding robust governance to address urgent legal and philosophical challenges like ethics, consciousness, sustainability, sovereignty, and cultural diversity. An inclusive approach balancing innovation with ethical safeguards and international cooperation is crucial.
This conference uniquely focuses on consciousness and AI, exploring what truly separates artificial from human intelligence and AI’s implications for human consciousness, happiness, and spirituality. Global experts will convene to discuss AI’s impact on governance, security, reliability, intellectual property, and data privacy, with ethics, philosophy, and sustainability as central themes. Sessions will cover best practices, public-private partnerships, and regulatory preparedness, providing a timely forum to articulate shared objectives and strengthen collaborative AI governance.
Bhutan offers a truly unique and compelling setting for a conference focused on the ethical, philosophical, and societal implications of Artificial Intelligence, especially given its emphasis on consciousness and sustainability.
As the world’s only carbon-negative country and a pioneer of Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan provides an unparalleled philosophical backdrop for discussions on ethical technology and human-centered innovation. Its commitment to environmental balance and well-being directly aligns with the conference’s central themes. Beyond cutting-edge discussions, Bhutan’s extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality create an environment conducive to deeper engagement, unique perspectives, and unforgettable personal experiences, fostering reflection, purpose, and peace. In summary, Bhutan is not just a location; it’s an active participant in the conference’s core themes, ideal for shaping AI’s future with profound consideration for humanity’s well-being.
Our Speakers
Prof. Anil Seth
University of Sussex
Ven. Khenpo Choten Dorji
Central Monastic Body, Kingdom of Bhutan
Dasho Jigme Tenzing
Secretary of Gov tech
Prof. Federico Faggin
inventor
Professor Mira Sundara Rajan
Prof. William Patry
of Counsel, Quinn Emanuel
Michaela Windischgratz
University of Vienna
Dr. Ajai Garg
Director & Head – Digital Group, Anand and Anand
Bradley W. Vines
Neuroscientist
Dr. Manmit Kumarr
Spiritual coach, psychic and Medium
Our Moderators
Pravin Anand
Managing Partner, Anand and Anand
Vaishali Mittal
Senior Partner – Litigation & Strategy, Anand and Anand
Dhruv Anand
Partner-Litigation, Anand and Anand
Migmar Lham
Lecturer, JSW Law
Programme Schedule
7th October 2025
| 8:15 AM | Registration |
| 09:00AM | Welcome and Opening |
| 1. Lighting of butter lamp, Marchang and Opening prayer 2. Dean Sangay Dorjee, Welcome address 3. Chief Guest Address Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck 4. Setting the context by Pravin Anand, Anand and Anand 5. Kinley Zam, Student, Vote of thanks 6. Photo session | |
| 11:00AM | Coffee Break |
| 11:30AM | First working session: Philosophy of Human Life in an Artificial Intelligence World. |
| Moderator: Pravin Anand – Managing Partner, Anand and Anand 1. Professor Anil Seth, University of Sussex 2. Ven. Khenpo Choten Dorji, Central Monastic Body, Kingdom of Bhutan 3. Dr. Manmit Kumarr, Spiritual coach, psychic and Medium 4. Prof. Federico Faggin (By Video) -Question and Answers- | |
| 13:00PM | Lunch Break |
| 14:00PM | Second working session: Law and Artificial Intelligence |
| Moderator: Dhruv Anand – Partner-Litigation, Anand and Anand 1. Professor Mira Sundara Rajan, Bharathiar University 2. Prof. William Patry – of Counsel, Quinn Emanuel, New York 3. Professor, Michaela Windischgratz, University of Vienna -Question and Answers- | |
| 15:30PM | Coffee Break |
| 16:00PM | Third working session: Navigating ethics, Bias and Governance in Artificial Intelligence |
| Moderator: Migmar Lham, Lecture & Lawyer, JSW Law 1. Dasho Jigme Tenzing, Secretary of GovTech, Thimphu 2. Bradley W. Vines – Neuroscientist 3. Dr. Ajai Garg – Director & Head – Digital Group, Anand and Anand -Question and Answers- | |
| 17:30PM | Valedictory session |
| Moderator: Vaishali Mittal, Senior Partner – Litigation & Strategy, Anand and Anand All the speakers | |
| 18:20 | Closing and Prayers |
| All the Participants | |
| 19:00PM | Dinner |