COSTA RICA | MARCH 6-8, 2026
Tickets on Sale Now
Discounts available for GGH alumni, groups, and Costa Ricans
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 2026 we'll host our 8th Gross Global Happiness Summit (GGH).
Watch the video to relive the highlights from last year!
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 LAST YEAR’S AGENDA
Inspiration starts here! While we’re still finalizing the 2026 schedule, the 2025 agenda offers a great preview of the energy, topics, and transformational experiences you can expect.
Take a look and get a feel for what your path to happiness could look like!
EVENT BOOKLET
Your inside look at the Gross Global Happiness Summit!
Explore the 2025 participant booklet to get a strong sense of what to expect.
Start envisioning your GGH experience and get inspired for what’s to come!
Plenary Speaker:
Profesor
Thakur S. Powdyel
A visionary leader and passionate advocate of Bhutan’s renowned Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, Professor Powdyel integrates holistic values into education. His "Green Schools for a Green Bhutan" initiative has inspired global recognition, earning him prestigious awards like the Global Education Award and Gusi Peace Prize for Lifetime Contribution to Education.
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
Summit Tracks
Explore curated Summit Tracks, each designed to guide you through specialized topics in happiness and well-being. Whether you're interested in personal growth, professional development, or holistic practices, these tracks provide a clear pathway through the sessions most relevant to you.
Summit tracks will be presented in the event agenda, you'll have a clear and organized view of each track, including detailed schedules and session timings for topics of interest.
Organizational Flourishing
Nurturing Minds
Personal Well-Being Path
Zen Zone
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
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.
TICKET OPTIONS
GGH + POSITIVE LEADERSHIP
Option 1: Host Family — $2,250
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
Option 2: Hotel — $2,795
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
HOST FAMILY:
HOTEL STAY:
$2250
$2795
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
$1750
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
4- night stay at a nearby hotelAirport transfers to the hotelTransport to and from the event each day
$1200
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.
Pre-Summit Adventure:
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Arrive early and join us on March 5 for a 1-day excursion to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Explore rainforest trails, marvel at stunning waterfalls, and encounter Costa Rica’s wildlife, all while connecting with the GGH community.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Make Your Mark at GGH 2026! Elevate your brand and connect with global leaders passionate about happiness and well-being. As a sponsor, you'll gain unparalleled exposure, exclusive benefits, and the opportunity to be a key player in a movement that inspires positive change.
Don’t miss your chance to shine—explore our Sponsorship Opportunities now!
Become a Sponsor
Make Your Mark at GGH 2025! Elevate your brand and connect with global leaders passionate about happiness and well-being. As a sponsor, you'll gain unparalleled exposure, exclusive benefits, and the opportunity to be a key player in a movement that inspires positive change.
Don’t miss your chance to shine—explore our Sponsorship Opportunities now!
EVENT PARTNERS
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.
Fill out the form below and use the promo code that matches your interest:
#TicketOnly, #HotelPackage, #PLHostFamily, or #PLHotelStay.
Have another promo code? Add it too!
We’ll follow up by email with the next steps to complete your registration.
*A full refund is available up to 60 days prior to the event. Please read the refund and cancellation policy, especially if you are interested in the package deal*
WHAT IS THE
GROSS GLOBAL HAPPINESS SUMMIT?
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 6-8 2026
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.
NEED TO JUSTIFY YOUR ATTENDANCE?
Download our customizable justification letter to present to your employer, outlining the benefits of attending the 2026 Gross Global Happiness Summit.
Make your case and secure your spot!
© 2026 Gross Global Happiness Summit. All rights reserved.