Global Happiness Dialogue to define a scientific framework

Over 300 leading global minds, experts, specialists, decision-makers and officials will gather in Dubai on Saturday to launch a global dialogue for shaping new approaches to deliver happiness to the people of the world and take it as new framework for development.

The World Government Summit (WGS) 2017 will host the Global Happiness Dialogue on 11th February, a day before the summit’s launch, as the latest addition to the fifth edition of the summit.

To be held under the theme ''Global Dialogue for Happiness: Towards a Happier Life, the Global Happiness Dialogue is the first international event of its kind that will see happiness experts, government officials and representatives of international organisations discuss ways to help governments ensure the happiness of their people.

The World Government Summit will be held from February 12 to 14 under the patronage of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Global Dialogue for Happiness event will bring together top thinkers, decision makers and experts from around the world to start a global discussion on the importance of happiness and wellbeing, and the imperative role of governments in achieving elevated levels of happiness worldwide.

Ohoud Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and Vice Chair of WGS, said that the Global Happiness Dialogue, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, would be a valuable addition to the already comprehensive WGS agenda, and would positively impact people’s lives and governments across the world.

The Happiness Dialogue will bring together specialists in the fields of happiness who will hold a meaningful and constructive dialogue with government officials to define a scientific framework to ensure people’s happiness. The event will feature workshops and sessions on various topics such as stimulating the policies of happiness, ways to measure happiness, science of happiness and how to achieve happiness in cities. The outcome of these workshops and sessions will be compiled in a manual that will help governments raise the level of happiness across nations.

''They will highlight the most effective ways to practically implement happiness in societies and in government work by showcasing best-in-class experiences and learning in this field," Al Roumi said.

Organisers say happiness is gaining momentum worldwide due to an increasing belief that the real work of government is to create a happy, healthy and positive society. This year, the World Government Summit will launch its activities with a full day event dedicated to the advancement of human happiness around the world.

International experts will convene to discuss the main themes impacting happiness and wellbeing, among which we mention government and public policy, sound and effective measurements of happiness, and the latest scientific literature and research on happiness and wellbeing.

Al Roumi will engage in a plenary session on Happiness: A Serious Business for Government along with Freddy Ehlers, State Secretary, Ecuadorian Presidential Initiative for the Construction of a Society of Good Life, and Alenka Smerkolj, Minister for Development, Strategic Projects and Cohesion in the Slovenian Government.