How can economic growth and wellbeing growth go hand in hand to make life better for everyone? This is the central question when esteemed researchers from Bhutan, US, UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and the Nordics come together on September 25-26 2025, in Thimpu, Bhutan to explore Happy Progress.
EVENT
TWO-DAY EVENT ON HAPPY PROGRESS
The event is the first in a planned annual series where ideas and perspectives around what Happy Progress (where wellbeing and economic development go hand in hand) is and can be are discussed.
The Happy Progress Forum is co-hosted between the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics (CWWH), the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies in Bhutan (RIGSS) and the Center for Bhutan Studies (CBS).
SMALL LAUNCH BUT HIGH AMBITIONS
This first edition will be small and rather informal with around thirty professors and researchers from the Nordics, Bhutan, USA, UK, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand. The aim is that the discussions and joint ideas and projects will entice further engagement that goes far beyond the participating researchers and organisations.
BACKGROUND
HPF FIRST EVENT IN LONG TERM COLLAB
Based on the shared commitment to the belief that holistic wellbeing and development enhance economic productivity and commercial profitability, promoting prosperity with purpose, the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics (CWWH) and the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies in Bhutan (RIGSS) in 2024 signed an agreement to collaborate.
The goal is to establish a framework between the parties to engage in joint research, teaching, and outreach activities. HPF is the first event honoring that agreement.
AGENDA
DAY 1 (SEPTEMBER 25)
Perspectives on Happy Progress - Conceptualizing and defining happy progress grounded in the experiences from Bhutan.
Related Research and Findings - Sharing conducted and ongoing studies within the community. Identifying themes, resources and opportunities
09:00 – 09:05 Welcome remarks (Sigay Dem, RIGSS)
09:05 – 09:30 Introduction of HPF & CWWH (Prof. Micael Dahlen)
09:30 – 10:00 Introduction of RIGSS & CBS (Sonam Yangdon, Karma Wangdi)
10:00 – 10:15 Coffee Break
10:15 – 11:00 Presentation: Gross National Happiness Index (Dasho Karma Ura)
11:00 – 12:00 Presentation: Gelephu Mindfulness City (Rabsel Dorji)
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 16:00 International Research Presentations
16:00 – Evening Excursion & Dinner
DAY 2 (SEPTEMBER 26)
Happy Progress Routes - Conceptualizing and defining happy progress grounded in the experiences from Bhutan.
Initiating Projects - Identifying and formulating potential projects for research and live action.
Forming Collaborations - Teaming up within the community, and identifying additional partners.
09:00 – 12:00 Workshops on Future Projects (Facilitated by Prof. Micael Dahlen)
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 15:30 Presentations of Ideas & Collaborations
16:00 – 17:00 Open Public Seminar & Q&A
“Happy Progress – International Research Perspectives
on joining Happiness and Economic Growth”
Moderator: Prof. Micael Dahlen (CWWH)
Evening Closing Dinner
