We are thrilled to announce that Bhutan has officially become the first national digital identity ecosystem to join Ayra, marking a monumental milestone in our journey toward a safer and more connected world. The country’s pioneering approach to digital trust showcases their unwavering commitment to empowering citizens with verifiable digital credentials – creating a model for identity systems everywhere.
Bhutan’s historic announcement was made at the Bhutan Innovation Forum, where Drummond Reed, representing Ayra, joined Jacques Von Benecke, Eric Drury, and Dr. Michael Becker in a session entitled, “The Global Acceptance Network (Ayra): Bhutan and the Interconnected Digital Trust Ecosystem.” This session explored the critical role Bhutan is playing in shaping the future of digital trust, and how Ayra can help the Bhutan National Digital Identity (NDI) ecosystem more easily and safely interconnect with the rest of the world.
By joining the Global Acceptance Network (Ayra), Bhutan is taking the next step towards ensuring our digital credentials are not only secure within our borders but trusted globally. Our vision is to empower every Bhutanese citizen with control over their own data, while enabling seamless, verifiable exchanges with the rest of the world. Ayra provides the interoperable trust network we need to build this truly interconnected and trusted digital future.
Bhutan leads the way with self-sovereign identity
In 2023, Bhutan took an unprecedented step by adopting self-sovereign identity (SSI) as the foundation of its national digital identity infrastructure. As the first country to fully embrace decentralized identity, Bhutan enshrined SSI into national law through the Bhutan National Digital Identity Act, making it a fundamental right for citizens to have control over their personal data.
As envisioned by His Majesty the King, the Bhutan National Digital Identity (NDI) initiative empowers the people of Bhutan with the right to manage their own digital wallet, which securely stores and manages digital credentials issued by trusted institutions such as the government, banks, healthcare providers, and travel authorities. This groundbreaking move makes Bhutan a global leader in establishing a citizen-centric digital identity ecosystem that guarantees both security and privacy for all participants.
Inclusion for all Bhutanese citizens
Bhutan’s commitment to inclusivity is core to its digital transformation. The NDI system enables every citizen, regardless of their access to digital devices or the Internet, to participate fully. To achieve this, Bhutan offers cloud wallet services to those in need, ensuring no citizen is left behind in the digital revolution. This national effort reflects Bhutan’s dedication to equality and making secure digital interactions accessible to everyone – core values that you’ll see repeated in Ayra’s Guiding Principles.
Connecting Bhutan’s digital identity globally
While Bhutan’s NDI infrastructure currently serves its citizens domestically, the country has a bold vision that extends far beyond its borders. Bhutan aims for its digital credentials to be accepted worldwide. By joining Ayra as an Ecosystem Member, Bhutan is positioning itself to integrate with other digital identity systems and trust ecosystems, ensuring Bhutanese digital credentials can be seamlessly recognized and trusted wherever its citizens go.
This visionary approach is why two of the first 12 Ayra Ambassadors hail from the Kingdom of Bhutan, highlighting the nation’s leadership and commitment to advancing global digital trust and interoperability.
Shaping the future of trusted digital interactions
Bhutan’s participation in Ayra emphasizes the critical importance of public and private sector collaboration. As Bhutan contributes its experience and expertise to the Ayra community, we are collectively advancing toward a world where digital credentials can be shared and verified across borders, industries, and ecosystems.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact Bhutan’s leadership will bring to Ayra, and we’re excited to work together to usher in the future of digital trust.