Gross Global Happiness Summit 2027

Name: Gross Global Happiness Summit 2027
Start: 2027-03-12
End: 2027-03-14
Location: University for Peace

Where wellbeing, leadership, and global impact meet

March 12–14, 2027 3-day onsite Summit
UPEACE campus Costa Rica
Hosted by the United Nations-founded University for Peace Centre for Executive Education

Tickets on Sale Now
Discounts available for GGH alumni, groups, and Costa Ricans

See you in Costa Rica

Explore the Summit ↓

What is the Gross Global Happiness Summit?

Costa Rica · University for Peace

9th

In 2027 we'll host our 9th Gross Global Happiness Summit (GGH).

Rooted in Costa Rica. Connected across the world.

Gather at the University for Peace with a community that has been exploring happiness and well-being for almost a decade.

GGH community group photograph from 2026

From GDP to GNH: A Paradigm Shift

Since Bhutan introduced the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) in 1972, the world has recognized the limitations of measuring national success solely through economic indicators. With the new UN General Assembly's resolution in 2011 the organization urged nations to prioritize happiness and well-being, declaring it as a "fundamental human goal".

At the United Nations-founded University for Peace, we are ambassadors for this vision. This summit convenes leading experts and visionaries in the field of happiness and well-being to catalyze positive change on a global scale. Through interactive sessions and transformative discussions, you'll connect with a vibrant community dedicated to fostering joy and peace in our lives and communities.

Save the Date: March 12-14 2027

Mark your calendars and join us as we unite to create a more meaningful and peaceful world. Together, let's embrace the spirit of the United Nations and pave the way for a happier future.

Connect. Grow. Contribute.

Receive a certificate from the United Nations-established University for Peace Centre for Executive Education.

Form a tight-knit group of like-minded colleagues from around the globe in just 3 days.

Align with the United Nations in creating a more just, peaceful and happier world.

TOWARD INFINITE HAPPINESS

In 2027 we'll host our 9th Gross Global Happiness Summit (GGH).

Watch the video to relive highlights from past editions!

VIEW TICKET OPTIONS

PAST SPEAKERS

Engage with thought leaders who will transform the way you think about happiness and well-being.

TAL BEN-SHAHAR

Happiness Guru, Professor, Author & Co-founder of the Harvard Happiness Studies Academy

DR. SONJA LYUBOMIRSKY

World Renowned Happiness Researcher & Author of 'The How of Happiness' and 'The Myths of Happiness'

RAJ RAGHUNATHAN

Psychology & Behavioral Science Researcher

DAVE EVANS

Co-founder of the Life Design Lab at Stanford, and bestselling author of 'Designing Your Life' & 'Designing Your Work Life'

ROBIN STERN

Co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and Gaslighting Expert

MARK BRACKETT

Co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence & Bestselling author of 'Permission to Feel'

LARS KURE JUUL

HR Executive & International Bestseller on Organizational Happiness

DR. GILLIAN MANDICH

Happiness researcher, Speaker & Health Science PhD

REAL STORIES FROM THE SUMMIT

"The Gross Global Happiness Summit is one of the few platforms out there that offers an opportunity for coaches, trainers and experts in the happiness field to come together and co-create high quality and innovative programs that tackle the challenges of the 21st century, especially around anxiety and stress management, and all done in an intimate and natural setting of one of the most beautiful university campuses on Earth"

- Carine Bouery, United Arab Emirates, Founder and Managing Director at Synchro Comms

"For me, GGH has been a high return investment for both my business, teaching and research. Having attended GGH every year since it began, I can see the accelerating value coming from engaging in Costa Rica as well as the year long connections with participants. I find that my depth and breadth of understanding to be highly significant in strengthening my professional work and professional life. Highly recommended."

- Art Sherwood, United States, Professor at Western Washington University

"Mixing years of knowledge, studies, analysis and investigations on Happiness, shared by multiple presenters and participants from different parts of the world, brings the richness of diversity and multiculturalism that you can only experience in a non replicable event like the Gross Global Happiness."

- Víctor Rojas, Costa Rica, Industrial Engineer

"This event is not only a breakthrough for person leadership, its provides a platform to reengineer the planet. A planet where human happiness is a real possibility. This event ignites the imagination of a more compassionate, fun filled, loving, kind, purposeful and creative planet!"

- Dianne Hunt, Trinidad & Tobago, Owner at Dianne Tea Shop

Bring well-being into everyday life.

Learn and practice cutting-edge techniques from global leaders in the field to bring more well-being to your work and personal life.

Harness compassion and emotional intelligence to connect with others and lead a more fulfilling and impactful life.

Develop habits to sustain well-being for the long-term.

EXPLORE THE AGENDA

The 2026 agenda offers a window into the conversations, sessions, and experiences that shaped this year’s Gross Global Happiness Summit.

Explore the themes, speakers, and moments that brought together changemakers from around the world — and get a glimpse of the ideas and energy that will continue inspiring the next gathering.

Explore the 2026 agenda

VENUE

THE UNIVERSITY FOR PEACE

A United Nations-founded University in El Rodeo, Costa Rica. About 30 minutes away from San Jose Airport.

The world looks to the United Nations for solutions to complex problems everywhere; from ending conflict and alleviating poverty, to combating climate change and defending human rights. As a UN-established institution, the University for Peace works tirelessly to contribute to world peace and progress. Our programs give you the skills to have positive impact on this world, contributing directly to this mission.

A place that lives the conversation

Happiness feels at home in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s stable democratic tradition and longstanding commitment to peace and social well-being make it a natural setting for a gathering devoted to happiness. Ranked fourth in the 2026 World Happiness Report, it offers an inspiring backdrop for exploring what it means to live well, together.

At the United Nations-founded University for Peace, that conversation has a fitting home: a campus dedicated to peace education, surrounded by the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Come for the ideas, and make space for the connection, reflection and community that grow around them.

Explore the context: World Happiness Report 2026 · World Bank country study · United Nations on UPEACE and Costa Rica

A view of the University for Peace campus in Costa Rica

Explore the campus · Select any photo to open the full-size gallery.

VISIT WEBSITE

TICKET OPTIONS

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL PRICING!

3-DAY EVENT (TICKET ONLY)

Join us in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, for a 3-day Happiness Summit in one of the happiest countries in the world!

3-day event ticket (with access to 60+ sessions)
3 lunches, snacks & drinks at the event

Not included: 4-night hotel stay, airport transfers, or transport to and from the event each day.

$1,200USD

BEST VALUE

HOTEL PACKAGE DEAL

Relax and enjoy the Summit while we take care of the logistics!

3-day event ticket (with access to 60+ sessions)
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, snacks & drinks at the event
4-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Santa Ana
Airport transfer to the hotel
Transport to and from the event each day

$1,825USD

GGH + POSITIVE LEADERSHIP · HOST FAMILY

Immerse yourself in local culture with this all-inclusive package!

7-night stay with a Costa Rican host family
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners included
Positive Leadership course + 3-day GGH ticket
Airport pickup upon arrival
1-day cultural excursion
Transportation to/from activities during the program

$2,450USD

GGH and Positive Leadership hotel experience

GGH + POSITIVE LEADERSHIP · HOTEL

A comfortable experience with all the essentials covered.

7-night hotel stay
All breakfasts and lunches included
Positive Leadership course + 3-day GGH ticket
Airport pickup upon arrival
1-day cultural excursion
Transportation details to be confirmed based on location

$2,995USD

As part of our mission to include local voices in the happiness conversation, these rates are available to permanent residents of Costa Rica.

3-DAY EVENT (TICKET ONLY)

Join us for the 3-day Gross Global Happiness Summit.

3-day event ticket (with access to 60+ sessions)
3 lunches, snacks & drinks at the event

Not included: hotel stay, airport transfers, or daily transport.

$975USD

POSITIVE LEADERSHIP + GGH

Positive Leadership course + 3-day GGH ticket

Positive Leadership course
3-day GGH ticket

$1,795USD

MORE INFO

TURN HAPPINESS INTO CERTIFICATION

By attending the Gross Global Happiness Summit, you’ll earn 20% credit toward a United Nations-mandated Diploma in either Leadership or Innovation.

It’s more than an event—it’s a step toward a transformational professional growth journey.

LEARN ABOUT UPEACE DIPLOMAS

Pre-Summit Travel Add-On

Coffee & Culture in Costa Rica

Coffee and culture experience in Costa Rica

Thursday, March 11

Arrive early and join us for a curated pre-summit experience exploring Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage. Visit a family-owned organic coffee farm, enjoy a guided tour, and take part in a tasting experience. The day continues with a scenic lunch overlooking the Central Valley.

Includes round-trip transportation from your hotel. Limited availability – ask us to reserve your spot.

$95per person

Ask us to reserve your spot

EVENT ORGANIZERS

THE UNIVERSITY FOR PEACE AND THE CENTRE FOR EXECUTIVE EDUCATION

Located in Costa Rica, the University for Peace (UPEACE) was established in December 1980 as a Treaty Organization by the United Nations General Assembly.

Within the University for Peace, the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education was launched to deliver dynamic workshops, seminars and training courses around the topics of leadership and social innovation.

WORLD HAPPINESS FOUNDATION AND WORLD HAPPINESS FEST

The World Happiness Agora and Fest are the world’s largest, most diverse, polycentric and comprehensive forums and networks of happiness and well-being experts, thought leaders, activists, shapers, and game-changers.

With presence in more than 60 cities around the world, their higher purpose is to realize a world with a free, peaceful, conscious and happy humanity. #TenBillionHappy by 2050.