T A K E T H E S T A G E A T T H E 2 0 2 6
GROSS GLOBAL HAPPINESS
SUMMIT
I N C O S T A R I C A
Hosted by the
United Nations-founded
University for Peace
Centre for Executive Education
ONSITE SUMMIT
at the UPEACE campus
March 6-8, 2026
T A K E T H E S T A G E A T T H E 2 0 2 6
GROSS GLOBAL HAPPINESS
SUMMIT
I N C O S T A R I C A
Hosted by the
United Nations-founded
University for Peace
Centre for Executive Education
ONSITE SUMMIT
at the UPEACE campus
March 6-8, 2026
Gross Global Happiness 2026
Gross Global Happiness brings together a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of well-being. Whether you’re an purpose-driven leader, corporate executive, educator, coach, or consultant, come share your research, insights, and approaches to happiness.
We’re thrilled to expand this community of individuals dedicated to happiness by inviting everyone to showcase their diverse strengths and perspectives.
Gross Global Happiness 2026
Gross Global Happiness brings together a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of well-being. Whether you’re an purpose-driven leader, corporate executive, educator, coach, or consultant, come share your research, insights, and approaches to happiness.
We’re thrilled to expand this community of individuals dedicated to happiness by inviting everyone to showcase their diverse strengths and perspectives.
Watch Last Year's Highlights:
Watch Last Year's Highlights:
PAST SPEAKERS
Connect with thought leaders and revolutionize your understanding of 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
GILLIAN MANDICH
Happiness Expert, Speaker & TV Personality
PAST SPEAKERS
Connect with thought leaders and revolutionize your understanding of 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
GILLIAN MANDICH
Happiness Expert, Speaker & TV Personality
Presenter Perks
In addition to full access to all content at the event,
Gross Global Happiness presenters will also receive:
PRESENTER RECOGNITION
A special certificate that acknowledges your contribution to a Summit hosted by a United Nations-established institution.
REDUCED TICKET RATE
For all onsite presenters, a discounted fee to partake in the 3-day onsite event in Costa Rica. The people you meet and content you experience will be life-changing!
NETWORKING
Network with an international group of experts in the field of happiness and well-being.
Presenter Perks
In addition to full access to all content at the event,
Gross Global Happiness presenters will also receive:
PRESENTER RECOGNITION
A special certificate that acknowledges your contribution to a Summit hosted by a United Nations-established institution.
REDUCED TICKET RATE
For all onsite presenters, a discounted fee to partake in the 3-day onsite event in Costa Rica. The people you meet and content you experience will be life-changing!
NETWORKING
Network with an international group of experts in the field of happiness and well-being.
Presentation Formats
A Talk
15 min
Be the Change Talk
‘Be the Change’ talks can cover any theme or topic in which you are an expert, have a particular point of view, or are actively working on. It is your opportunity to share a fresh take on a subject you think will appeal to and resonate with other participants. You will be given 15 minutes in front of the room to share your thoughts, much like a TED talk format.
A Round Table
20 min
World Café
Lead a dynamic World Café session, where participants will engage in fast-paced, round-table discussions on diverse topics. These sessions should be highly interactive, presenting participants with fresh ideas, skills, methodologies, or perspectives on key global questions, all under one vibrant tent.
A Deep Dive
45 min
Ignite session
An Ignite session offers a slightly longer and more interactive format for you to share your knowledge and experience on a particular subject that excites you. You will be given 45 minutes to teach your peers a skill or create a space for collaboration and co-creation. Bring your passion to the table!
A Process
75 min
Workshop
A select few people will be chosen to conduct workshops over a 75-minute period of the event. These workshops need to be highly interactive and should present participants with a new idea, skill, methodology or take on a key question facing the world today.
A Conversation
75 min
Panel
Three presenters will be invited to share their unique perspectives around a common theme. Each presentation will explore a different angle of the topic, with ideas that intersect and nurture one another. Panels will be introduced and guided by a moderator who will help connect the dots and spark rich dialogue among the speakers and participants.
You cannot apply specifically for a panel, but please indicate if this is a format that you are comfortable with in your application form.
Presentation Formats
A Talk
15 min
Be the Change Talk
‘Be the Change’ talks can cover any theme or topic in which you are an expert, have a particular point of view, or are actively working on. It is your opportunity to share a fresh take on a subject you think will appeal to and resonate with other participants. You will be given 15 minutes in front of the room to share your thoughts, much like a TED talk format.
A Round Table
20 min
World Café
Lead a dynamic World Café session, where participants will engage in fast-paced, round-table discussions on diverse topics. These sessions should be highly interactive, presenting participants with fresh ideas, skills, methodologies, or perspectives on key global questions, all under one vibrant tent.
A Deep Dive
45 min
Ignite session
An Ignite session offers a slightly longer and more interactive format for you to share your knowledge and experience on a particular subject that excites you. You will be given 45 minutes to teach your peers a skill or create a space for collaboration and co-creation. Bring your passion to the table!
A Process
75 min
Workshop
A select few people will be chosen to conduct workshops over a 75-minute period of the event. These workshops need to be highly interactive and should present participants with a new idea, skill, methodology or take on a key question facing the world today.
A Conversation
75 min
Panel
Three presenters will be invited to share their unique perspectives around a common theme. Each presentation will explore a different angle of the topic, with ideas that intersect and nurture one another. Panels will be introduced and guided by a moderator who will help connect the dots and spark rich dialogue among the speakers and participants.
You cannot apply specifically for a panel, but please indicate if this is a format that you are comfortable with in your application form.
See you in Costa Rica? 🌺
⏰ Apply early! While applications are open until September 1, 2025, spots are limited and we review proposals on a rolling basis.
See you in Costa Rica? 🌺
⏰ Apply early! While applications are open until September 1, 2025, spots are limited and we review proposals on a rolling basis.
Our Vision & Model
We envision a world where people all over the world can live with happiness, purpose, and joy.
The Gross Global Happiness event contributes directly to this vision, bringing together a diverse group of like-minded individuals around the field of happiness.
The conference model sees speakers as fully participating contributors to the event that gain as much as they give, sharing their expertise while also learning alongside happiness leaders from around the world. Expect your peers at the conference to be extremely valuable colleagues with knowledge to share. Speakers are an integral part of the community and the funding model, and as such, pay a ticket price for the Summit.
This has enabled us to convene a truly amazing group of folks year after year! Come join us, contribute a valuable piece of content and attend some of the incredibly powerful sessions yourself!
Our Vision & Model
We envision a world where people all over the world can live with happiness, purpose, and joy.
The Gross Global Happiness event contributes directly to this vision, bringing together a diverse group of like-minded individuals around the field of happiness.
The conference model sees speakers as fully participating contributors to the event that gain as much as they give, sharing their expertise while also learning alongside happiness leaders from around the world. Expect your peers at the conference to be extremely valuable colleagues with knowledge to share. Speakers are an integral part of the community and the funding model, and as such, pay a ticket price for the Summit.
This has enabled us to convene a truly amazing group of folks year after year! Come join us, contribute a valuable piece of content and attend some of the incredibly powerful sessions yourself!
Our Vision & Model
We envision a world where people all over the world can live with happiness, purpose, and joy.
The Gross Global Happiness event contributes directly to this vision, bringing together a diverse group of like-minded individuals around the field of happiness.
The conference model sees speakers as fully participating contributors to the event that gain as much as they give, sharing their expertise while also learning alongside happiness leaders from around the world. Expect your peers at the conference to be extremely valuable colleagues with knowledge to share. Speakers are an integral part of the community and the funding model, and as such, pay a ticket price for the Summit.
This has enabled us to convene a truly amazing group of folks year after year! Come join us, contribute a valuable piece of content and attend some of the incredibly powerful sessions yourself!
Special Event Price
We're offering a special presenter package deal where you can get your event ticket, hotel, transport, and meals for just $1,650!
Event Ticket Rate
This transformative 3-day event in Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries in the world, will be an unforgettable experience! The event will take place onsite at the stunning University for Peace campus, an institution established by the United Nations.
- 3-day event ticket
- 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 $995
Package Deal
Consider the package deal! Journey to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, and let us take care of the logistics while you relax and enjoy every moment of this energizing summit at the University for Peace, a United Nations-established institution.
- 3-day event ticket
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, snacks & drinks at the event
- 4-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Santa Ana
- Airport transfers to the hotel
- Transport to and from the event each day
$1750 $1650
Event Price
We're offering a special presenter package deal where you can get your event ticket, hotel, transport, and meals for just $1,650!
Event Ticket Rate
This transformative 3-day event in Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries in the world, will be an unforgettable experience! The event will take place onsite at the stunning University for Peace campus, an institution established by the United Nations.
- 3-day event ticket
- 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
$1400 $995
Package Deal
Consider the package deal! Journey to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, and let us take care of the logistics while you relax and enjoy every moment of this energizing summit at the University for Peace, a United Nations-established institution.
- 3-day event ticket
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, snacks & drinks at the event
- 4-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Santa Ana
- Airport transfers to the hotel
- Transport to and from the event each day
$1750 $1650
Event Price
We're offering a special presenter package deal where you can get your event ticket, hotel, transport, and meals for just $1,595!
Event Ticket Rate
This transformative 3-day event in Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries in the world, will be an unforgettable experience! The event will take place onsite at the stunning University for Peace campus, an institution established by the United Nations.
- 3-day event ticket
- 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
$1400 $945
Package Deal
Consider the package deal! Journey to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, and let us take care of the logistics while you relax and enjoy every moment of this energizing summit at the University for Peace, a United Nations-established institution.
- 3-day event ticket
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, snacks & drinks at the event
- 4-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Santa Ana
- Airport transfers to the hotel
- Transport to and from the event each day
$1700 $1595
Ready to apply?
Click the "Submit application" button below to submit your proposal to present at Gross Global Happiness 2025.
Ready to apply?
Click the "Submit application" button below to submit your proposal to present at Gross Global Happiness 2025.
If you have any questions about the event, please get in touch with us!
Email us at centre@upeace.org or schedule a call here.
If you have any questions about the event, please get in touch with us!
Email us at centre@upeace.org or schedule a call here.