About

The Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society is a non-profit association based in Toruń dedicated to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the Republic of Poland and the Kingdom of Bhutan.

For nearly two decades, since 2008, interest in Bhutan and contacts between people in Poland and the Kingdom of Bhutan have gradually developed, creating a foundation for the establishment of the Society.

Bringing together individuals with an interest in Bhutan’s culture, traditions, history, and contemporary development, the Society seeks to promote greater awareness of Bhutan and its unique approach to human wellbeing embodied in the philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

Through its activities, the Society provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation between individuals, institutions, and communities in both countries, contributing to lasting relations and meaningful connections between the people of Poland and Bhutan.

Inspired by Bhutan’s values of cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and balanced development, the Society encourages reflection on how these principles can enrich international dialogue and cooperation.

Bhutan & Poland – Why This Partnership Matters

Although geographically distant, Bhutan and Poland share values that create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and cooperation. Both countries place strong importance on cultural heritage, education, and the development of resilient communities.

Bhutan is internationally recognized for its unique approach to development through the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which emphasizes wellbeing, sustainability, cultural preservation, and responsible governance. Poland, with its rich cultural traditions and strong academic and civic institutions, provides a dynamic environment for international exchange and collaboration.

By connecting individuals, institutions, and communities in both countries, the Bhutan- Poland Friendship Society aims to support dialogue between different cultural perspectives and encourage cooperation in areas such as education, wellbeing, leadership, and sustainable social development.

Through these connections, the Society seeks to contribute to deeper understanding and lasting friendship between the people of Poland and the Kingdom of Bhutan.

What We Do

The Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society organizes and supports initiatives that promote knowledge about Bhutan and strengthen connections between Poland and the Kingdom of Bhutan. These activities may include:

• organizing cultural events, meetings, lectures, and discussions related to Bhutan
• promoting knowledge about Bhutan’s culture, traditions, history, society, and contemporary development
• supporting educational, academic, and youth exchange initiatives between Poland and Bhutan
• facilitating cooperation between individuals, institutions, and organizations interested in Bhutan
• sharing knowledge through publications, media, and online platforms
• supporting cultural, artistic, and social initiatives that strengthen intercultural understanding
• promoting dialogue inspired by Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH)
• supporting initiatives that foster cultural, educational, humanitarian, and tourism exchange
• cooperating with diplomatic, academic, and cultural institutions connected with Bhutan

Through these activities, the Society aims to create a welcoming platform for people interested in Bhutan and to contribute to the development of long-term friendship and cooperation between the people of Poland and Bhutan.

Founding Story

The Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society was founded by Elżbieta Jabłońska, whose interest in the Kingdom of Bhutan began in the early 2000s and developed into active professional engagement beginning in 2008.

Over the years, her work and research in Bhutan have focused on themes closely connected to Bhutan’s development philosophy, including Gross National Happiness, wellbeing, leadership, and community resilience. Through regular visits to Bhutan and collaboration with local institutions and professionals, she has built long-term relationships with Bhutanese communities and partners.

These experiences gradually inspired the idea of creating a platform that would connect people in Poland interested in Bhutan and encourage dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

The Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society was therefore established as a space for cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between individuals, institutions, and communities interested in Bhutan.

About the Founder

Elżbieta Jabłońska is the founder and Representative of the Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society. Her connection with the Kingdom of Bhutan began in the early 2000s and has developed over many years through study, professional engagement, and close collaboration with Bhutanese communities and institutions.

Since 2008, her work has focused on themes closely related to Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, including wellbeing, leadership, education, and community resilience. Through regular visits and long-term cooperation with local professionals, she has contributed to initiatives supporting mental health awareness, leadership development, and intercultural dialogue.

Inspired by Bhutan’s values of balance, cultural preservation, and respect for community and nature, she established the Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society to create a space where people in Poland interested in Bhutan could connect, exchange knowledge, and develop meaningful cooperation with the Kingdom.

Leadership

The Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society is represented by a Representative who manages the activities of the Society and represents it externally in accordance with the internal regulations of the organization and the provisions of Polish law.

The Representative coordinates the work of the Society, oversees its initiatives, and supports the development of cooperation between individuals and institutions interested in relations between Poland and Bhutan.

Representative

Elżbieta Jabłońska
Founder and Representative
Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society

Founding Members

The Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society was established by individuals committed to promoting dialogue and cooperation between Poland and the Kingdom of Bhutan. Founding Members include:

• Elżbieta Jabłońska
• Magdalena Deczyńska
• Agnieszka Struk