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The Observatory · Beyond GDP

Evidence for a new measure of progress.

We aggregate global voices and data on happiness — because what we measure shapes what we build. Our work supports the UN Beyond GDP agenda and equips policymakers with better tools.

Global Gathering of Happiness — a policy classroom

The Observatory

In partnership with the UN Beyond GDP agenda & UPEACE

00 · Live impact

Where the movement stands today. Every number below is reported by a program team and stamped with its as-of date.

leaders

1,000+

Global leaders trained

Cumulative graduates of Chief Wellbeing Officer and related Academy programs, as published on the World Happiness Academy pages.

As of Jul 17, 2026

cities

450+

Cities in the Cities of Happiness network

Cities engaged through the Cities of Happiness program, per the program page.

As of Jul 17, 2026

catalysts

100+

Conscious Catalysts

Active Conscious Catalysts across the community, per the Academy program page.

As of Jul 17, 2026

artisans

42,000+

Artisans reached in India

Meta-Loka Bharat artisan reach, as reported on the India program pages.

As of Jul 17, 2026

teachers

52+

Teachers in the LatAm cohort

Schools of Happiness Latin America cohort, per the Schools of Happiness program page.

As of Jul 17, 2026

target

28X

Multiplier target on the path to 10 billion

Scale-factor target published on the "Path to 10 Billion" program page.

As of Jul 17, 2026

Regional map view will be added when per-city coordinates are available in the Observatory dataset.

01 · Our Workstreams

Four ways we grow the evidence base.

01

Beyond GDP

Research and advocacy for measures of societal well-being that go beyond gross domestic product — in partnership with the UN Beyond GDP agenda.

02

Applied Research

In collaboration with UPEACE and partner universities — the neuroscience, psychology and philosophy of eudaimonia.

03

Policy Round Tables

Convening policymakers, researchers and civil society to translate happiness science into public policy.

04

World Happiness Press

Essays, reports and books from the ecosystem — from Happytalism to the Compass and the Shadow Map.

02 · Publications

Field notes from the movement.

01

Happytalism, Key to Reconnection

Luis Gallardo

02

The Yoga Path to Freedom, Consciousness and Happiness

Luis Gallardo

03

The Unlimited Power of Synarchy

Luis Gallardo

04

Why Understanding and Embracing Suffering is Important, NOW

WHF Press

05

World Happiness Awards — Highlighting the Good of the World

WHF Press

06

The Compass and the Shadow Map — Analysis of the UN Beyond GDP Report

WHF Observatory

03 · World Happiness Awards

Highlighting the good of the world.

The Awards recognize individuals and organizations advancing human flourishing — government officials, educators, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs who embody Happytalism in their work.

Partner with us

Partner with the Observatory.

Universities, foundations, and governments — join our research consortium and Round Tables. Let's build evidence together.