Professor Micael Dahlen founded the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics in 2023 based on the true belief that “Happiness, wellbeing and welfare are what both economics and business are fundamentally about; how can we make life better for everyone”.

Bhutan introduced Gross National Happiness (GNH) in the 1970s as an alternative to GDP, grounded in the belief that true development must balance economic growth with cultural, spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing.

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. The Happy Progress Forum is the first event honoring that agreement.

The Happy Progress Forum (HPF) is arranged in Bhutan September 25-26. The two Forum days will focus on how to jointly promote and progress happiness and economic growth and is also a manifestation of the long-term collaboration between RIGSS, CBS and the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness. Some of the most esteemed researchers in the world in various fields will come together in this first edition of HPF. The purpose is to test the format, network, make content and ambassadors, and initiate joint projects. The goal is to make this an annual, growing event with activities and discussions that go well outside of the participating researchers and organisations.