Lugano Happiness Forum, the first forum in Switzerland dedicated to happiness

In light of the latest scientific evidence in the field, experts, scientists and decision-makers will convene at LAC in Lugano on 17 and 18 June to discuss and stimulate reflection on public policies and new paradigms for improving the level of happiness and well-being of individuals and societies.

Happiness is a complex concept that has always fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and anthropologists. It is rapidly emerging as a new frontier of well-being for scientists, economists, and decision-makers. More and more scientific research confirms the strong influence it exerts both at the psychological and physical levels, representing one of the key elements of human well-being. The Lugano Happiness Forum was born from the awareness of the central role that happiness plays in modern society, especially at such a complex time as the present. It is free and open to the public, and was organised by Harvard University in Boston, IBSA Foundation for Scientific Research and the City of Lugano, in collaboration with Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) and Lugano Region.

The aim of the Forum to be held in Lugano on 17 and 18 June, as part of the Culture and Health project, is to explore the intricate mechanisms and principles underlying human happiness and well-being and to take stock of the latest theories and practices on the subject. Thanks to the expert curatorship of Prof. Vish K. Viswanath of Harvard University in Boston, Director of the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness - supported by Silvia Misiti, Director of IBSA Foundation, and Luigi Di Corato, Director of the Culture Division of the City of Lugano - numerous topics will be addressed during the two days, including the relationship between happiness and equity of access to resources, opportunities and rights, which is fundamental for sustainable well-being; the challenges and benefits of the intersection of technology, information, the science of happiness and related factors of well-being; the intricate connections between happiness, culture and sociality. Around twenty speakers from all over the world will be present, some of the leading international experts such as Julianne Holt-Lunstad from Brigham Young University, Garth Graham Head of Healthcare and Public Health at Google and YouTube, Karen Guggenheim CEO & Founder of WOHASU® and co-founder of the World Happiness Summit and Julia Hotz, journalist and writer, expert in social prescribing, who will share their experience in this context fuelling the discussion and serving as a possible inspiration for future public policy, as well as for the choices of businesses and organisations.

"It is crucial to promote a deep understanding of happiness that goes beyond conventional definitions to embrace the richness of its cultural, philosophical and individual dimensions. Happiness is not just an individual pursuit, but is deeply intertwined with broader social structures and systems," explains Kasisomayajula "Vish" Viswanath, Director of the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Boston (USA).

"Studying the relationship between health, in its broadest sense, and culture, and promoting initiatives and synergies between these two worlds in order to improve people's quality of life and well-being is one of the objectives that our Foundation has been pursuing for several years now in collaboration with the City of Lugano, through the Culture and Health project" emphasises Silvia Misiti, Director of IBSA Foundation for Scientific Research.

"We have decided to take on the challenge of organizing a forum like this at LAC during this historically complex and bewildering moment. We are convinced that through scientific collaboration with one of the most prestigious academic institutes in the world, such as the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard University, we can develop concrete ideas and best practices for the benefit of our communities.", finally affirms Roberto Badaracco, Deputy Mayor and Head of the Cultural Department of the City of Lugano.

The Lugano Happiness Forum, scheduled from 9 am to 6:30 pm in room 1 of the LAC, will be free of charge, open to the public and will take place in English with simultaneous translation into Italian. For more information on the programme: https://www.ibsafoundation.org/en/projects/cultura-e-salute/forum-happiness-lugano-2024 or contact [email protected]

To register: https://www.ibsafoundation.org/it/progetti/cultura-e-salute/forum-happiness-lugano-2024#form (Italian) and https://www.ibsafoundation.org/en/projects/cultura-e-salute/forum-happiness-lugano-2024#form (English).