Join us as we delve into the World Happiness Report with the distinguished Professor Emeritus John Helliwell. As a founding editor of the report, Professor Helliwell shares the origins of the report, the methodology behind measuring happiness, and the profound implications of the findings.

Discover the pivotal role of the 2011 UN Resolution supported by Bhutan, the importance of subjective well-being data, and how the report has evolved to influence global perspectives on happiness and well-being. Learn about the top-ranking countries and the factors that contribute to their success, as well as surprising findings from this year's report.

Professor Helliwell also explores the significance of social connections, trust, and benevolence, shedding light on how these elements impact our daily lives and national policies. This episode is a deep dive into the science of happiness and a call to integrate well-being into every aspect of decision-making.

Tune in to understand how we can all contribute to a happier, more compassionate world.

Resources

The World Happiness Report 2024: https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2024/

The Gallup poll:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/612125/happiest-country-earth.aspx

Sustainable Development Solutions Network:

https://www.gallup.com/analytics/247355/gallup-world-happiness-report.aspx

What's the happiest country in the world?

https://news.gallup.com/poll/612125/happiest-country-earth.aspx

The Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford: https://wellbeing.hmc.ox.ac.uk/

Professor Helliwell’s book recommendation:

Gawande, A. (2014). Being mortal: Medicine and what matters in the end. Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt and Company.

https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/

Where to listen to this episode 

• Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154

Content   

Guest: John Helliwell

Host, producer and editor: Amy Smith

Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva