Past event

from 17 June
to 18 June

Sala 1

The Lugano Happiness Forum is a two-day forum that aims to bring together scholars, policymakers, and experts to explore the intricate mechanisms and underlying principles of human happiness and well-being

Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, and this sentiment is reflected in Lugano. The Lugano Happiness Forum is dedicated to fostering an environment where the latest scientific findings and cutting-edge theories, initiatives, ideas and practices are shared, discussed, and scrutinized by a community of passionate minds committed to advancing our understanding of a happy life. In this forum, we embark on a rigorous journey into the realms of different scientific disciplines and interdisciplinary research, and practices to unravel what shapes and defines the pursuit of happiness in culture, science, policy and practice.

This Forum serves as a bridge between the academic, scientific, and applied aspects of happiness, including policies, encouraging the exchange of ideas that not only deepen our scholarly insights but also have practical implications for enhancing the well-being of individuals and societies.

With a view to sustainability, the forum will be a ‘Carbon Neutral (ISO 14068-1)’ supported by +O Positive Organizations and the involvement of associations committed to combating food waste, for the whole food preparation and supply part.

Day one

09:00 - 09:20
Welcoming – Roberto Badaracco, Deputy Mayor of the City of Lugano and Silvia Misiti, Director of IBSA Foundation

09:20 - 09:30
Opening remarks: Prof. Viswanath, Harvard University

09:30 - 11:00
Session 1: “Decoding happiness: Happiness and Social Well-being in Modern Society” > Find out more

11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break

11:30 - 13:00
Session 2: “Bridging Bliss: Promising practices in policy making and science translation” Find out more

13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Break

14:00 - 16:00
Session 3: “Balancing Success and Well-being: Happiness from a corporate perspective” Find out more

16:00 - 16:30
Coffee Break 

16:30 - 18:00
Session 4: “Happiness and science: Navigating the New Frontiers” Find out more

18:00 - 18:30
Reflections and closing: Prof. Peter Schulz

Day two

08:00 - 09:00
Music and yoga at LAC Hall, curated by Irene Bongini, with pianist Ferenc Nemes - Déak

09:00 - 09:10
Welcoming – Michel Gagnon, Director of LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Luisa Lambertini, Rector of Università della Svizzera italiana and Massimo Boni, Director of Lugano Region. 

09:10 - 10:30
Session 1: “Beyond Borders: Measuring Happiness across Countries and Disciplines” > Find out more

10:30 - 11:00
Coffee Break

11:00 - 12:30
Session 2: “Happiness as a movement: Igniting Positive Change” > Find out more

12:30 - 14:00
Lunch Break

14:00 - 15:30
Session 3: “Cultivating well-being: The intersection of happiness and culture” > Find out more

15:30 - 16.00
Coffee Break

16:00 - 17:30
Session 4: “Swiss Happiness: Building a Brighter Future Together” > Find out more

17:30 - 18:00
Launch of Harvard Garmin study on Happiness > Find out more

18:00 - 18:15
Closing remarks for the event and Lugano Happiness Tips and next event in 2026: Prof. Viswanath, Harvard University, Luigi Di Corato, City of Lugano, Silvia Misiti, IBSA Foundation

Prof. K. Viswanath, Harvard University
Luigi Di Corato, Città di Lugano
Laura Marciano, Harvard University
Silvia Misiti, IBSA Foundation