What I Learned at the Gross Global Happiness Summit

I recently attended the Gross Global Happiness Summit at the University for Peace (Upeace) in Costa Rica, a UN-mandated university.

Let me start by saying that before last summer, I had no idea such a place existed. Their guiding idea is simple and powerful: if you want peace, you have to work for peace. A concept for all of us to consider.

The conference brought people together to learn from one another, share meals, exchange ideas and hear different perspectives, all while exploring the topic of happiness. It created space for thoughtful conversation and genuine connection.

I went with an open mind and a hope that I would listen more than I talked. I like to think I achieved that goal. I met people from Costa Rica, Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, the United Kingdom and beyond. It was a reminder that conversations about peace, joy and happiness are happening across cultures and across borders.

How did I get there? That is a great question.

I honestly do not know. I assume I signed up for a newsletter at some point, because last summer I received an email from the organizers inviting topic submissions for the conference. I jumped at the opportunity to propose a session that invited participants to explore happiness at work, at home and in relationships through Appreciative Inquiry-focused questions.

A few months later, my proposal was accepted. I was thrilled and immediately began planning the journey.

As I prepared, I also learned about the Positive Leadership Course being offered in the days before the conference began. Always happy to continue learning, I signed up for that too.

One of the lovely moments from the week reminded me just how small the world can feel. Bermuda is a tiny dot in the middle of the Atlantic, with a population of about 63,000, so when someone asks whether I know a person from Bermuda, I always listen carefully. During the conference, a woman from Trinidad asked whether I knew her college friend from Bermuda. The moment she said the name, I knew exactly who she meant. Her friend is the daughter of a friend of mine. I reached out straight away and together the mother and I helped reconnect two college friends. It was such a joyful reminder of how connected we really are.

After a week in Costa Rica, I left with new facilitation tools, fresh ways of thinking about joy and happiness, and a deeper appreciation that peace, joy and happiness are being taken seriously by people around the world. I also left with new friends I hope to stay in regular contact with, and with renewed optimism.

There is so much uncertainty in the world right now. Even so, I was reminded that many people are actively working for stability, peace and greater humanity from a place of love.

That matters.

I am already planning to attend next year’s conference, which takes place March 12 to 14, 2027, in Costa Rica.

I hope to see you there.