This presentation was given by Mark Williamson, Director of Action for Happiness on Tues 23 Aug 2011. It was part of a British Council workshop on the theme of Wellbeing involving young social and political activists from the UK and the Middle East. It gives an overview of why wellbeing is important and the political context, summarises some important recent scientific findings relating to happiness and suggests some actions that governments and individuals can take to help create a happier society.

1. WELLBEING AND HAPPINESS Prioritising the things that really matter Mark Williamson Director, Action for Happiness

2. Agenda 1. Why wellbeing matters 2. What the science tells us 3. What we need to do about it

4. But higher GDP doesn’t always mean greater life satisfaction Source: Worldwatch Institute, State of the World 2008 GDP/person (Purchasing Power Parity, 1995 dollars) Life Satisfaction / Happiness (Mean of % very happy and satisfied with life as a whole) GDP and Happiness: comparing countries

5. Countries have been getting richer but no happier Source: Layard, 2003 (based on US data) GDP per capita ($, 2001 prices) Year Life Satisfaction / Happiness (% very happy) Changes in Happiness and GDP over time 100 80 60 40 20 0 1946 1951 1956 1961 1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 % Very Happy GDP per head

7. We’ve known for years that GDP is flawed… Robert F. Kennedy (1968 speech) “ Gross National Product counts air pollution and cigarette advertising , and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage . It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl . It counts the television programs which glorify violence to sell toys to our children. “ Yet it does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage , neither our wisdom nor our learning … “ It measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile”

9. The UK is now taking the lead in measuring well-being “ It’s time we admitted there’s more to life than money, and it’s time we focussed not just on GDP but on GWB: General Well-Being. Well-being can’t be measured by money or traded in markets. It’s about the beauty of our surroundings, the quality of our culture and, above all, the strength of our relationships” David Cameron UK Prime Minister

12. Agenda 1. Why wellbeing matters 3. What we need to do about it 2. What the science tells us

19. Agenda 1. Why wellbeing matters 2. What the science tells us 3. What we need to do about it

20. How do we create a society with high levels of wellbeing? People and organisations need to behave in a way that improves wellbeing (their own and others) Government needs to create the conditions for people to flourish +

21. What can government do to maximise wellbeing? Provide security, freedom, law & order Ensure economic stability and low unemployment Provide good healthcare with focus on mental health Support families and relationships Help children develop capabilities to thrive Reduce inequality and support those most in need

22. Well-being is multi-dimensional “ HAVING” “ BEING” Trust Security Equality Economic conditions Family & Community Employment Mental health Physical health Meaning & Purpose Infrastructure Financial Material Physical Social Psychological Emotional Source: Action for Happiness We need greater focus on social, psychological and emotional dimensions

23. GREAT DREAM: Ten Keys to Happier Living Ten Keys to Happier Living based on a review of the latest scientific research relating to happiness:

24. Ten Keys to Happier Living: part 1 (GREAT) * These five are based on the Five Ways to Well-being developed by nef for the UK Government Foresight project on Mental Capital. The first five keys (GREAT) relate to how we interact with the outside world in our daily activities*:

25. The second five keys (DREAM) come more from inside us and depend on our attitude to life: Ten Keys to Happier Living: part 2 (DREAM)