Sabina Alkire was awarded the National Order of Merit by His Majesty, The King of Bhutan, in a ceremony during the 118th National Day on 17 December. Bhutan’s National Day is an annual celebration that commemorates the coronation of the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck and the subsequent Wangchuck dynasty. 

Sabina directs the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and works with the Centre for Bhutan Studies (CBS) and the Royal Government of Bhutan on Gross National Happiness (GNH) and related initiatives. The award recognises her efforts in promoting human development, which combined with her longstanding support for Bhutan, reflect her commitment to advancing both global and national well-being.