The inaugural Nordic Happiness Summit (NHS), established in Helsinki, took place on March 24–25, 2025, bringing together students, researchers, artists, businesses, and policymakers to explore the theme of “Togetherness”. This student-driven event, organized by Hanken Business Lab and the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare, and Happiness at Stockholm School of Economics, has set a new standard for discussions on happiness and well-being in the Nordic region.
The idea for the Nordic Happiness Summit was sparked in the cellar of Hanken School of Economics, in the creative environment of Hanken Business Lab, where Markus Wartiovaara, Director of Hanken Business Lab and founder of the Nordic Happiness Summit, began to question a curious paradox: Why had the Nordic countries consistently topped the World Happiness Report – with Finland, at the time, ranked number one for seven years in a row – yet no dedicated event existed to explore this unique phenomenon?
Wartiovaara envisioned a space where students, researchers, policymakers, and creatives could come together to reflect on what makes the Nordic region so distinct when it comes to happiness and well-being. Unlike the global World Happiness Summit, his goal was to create something rooted in Nordic perspectives, values, and experiences. And so, from a basement brainstorming session, the idea rose – both metaphorically and literally – into the Nordic Happiness Summit.
By bridging academia, business, art, and policy, the summit now provides a platform to address real-world challenges such as stress, workplace burnout, and societal pressures, while promoting actionable strategies for a healthier and more connected society.
The project managers Onni Larri and Anton Mattson. Photo: Auno Media
A Unique Student-Centric Approach
What sets the Nordic Happiness Summit apart is its student-led nature. From planning to execution, students have played a pivotal role in shaping the event, ensuring that it remains relevant and impactful for younger generations.
Wartiovaara reflects on the experience: “This is for me what university education should look like. We have come out of the classroom together with our students to build this stuff together for you. We have learned along the way, and we have also celebrated life along the way. You are going to see one part of our initiative, but there have been months of work together – and also new friendships born, new relationships built, which has been wonderful.”
As part of the summit, students also engaged with the findings of the World Happiness Report 2025, using it as a springboard to reflect on what happiness means to them in today’s world. For project managers Anton Mattsson and Onni Larri, the report sparked conversations about empowerment, education, and the unique foundations of Nordic wellbeing.
Larri shared: “We’re on top because we have some of the best conditions for citizens to live a satisfied life – and that’s really what this event is all about. We want to advance happiness in a deeper, more fulfilling sense. Although we say ‘Smile, it’s contagious,’ that’s just part of the recipe. We know there’s much more.”
Mattsson added: “As students who have experienced at least the Finnish education system, we believe the biggest thing it has given us is empowerment. The Nordic education system encourages problem solving and critical thinking – you’re taught to ask questions, challenge ideas, and make sense of the world, even when it feels like it’s on fire. If you have the tools to think critically, you’re empowered. And when you’re empowered, you’re more fulfilled.”
Micael Dalen participating a panel discussion. Photo: Auno Media
Looking Ahead – The Future of NHS
With the overwhelming success of the 2025 summit, the Nordic Happiness Summit is set to become a recurring annual event, alternating between Helsinki and Stockholm. The next edition of the summit will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2026. Looking ahead, Micael Dalen, director of the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics, and a key organizer of the Nordic Happiness Summit, shared his thoughts on the event: “We consider this a ’mjukstart.’ It’s a soft start. It’s nice, it’s cushiony and everything. Doesn’t matter if you fall on your face, cuz it’s ’mjukt,’ it’s soft.”
As the first-ever Nordic Happiness Summit, the event marks a welcoming beginning, setting the stage for dialogues and actions towards a happier and healthier society. The exact dates and location of NHS 2026 will be announced soon. Stay updated by visiting the official website: www.nordichappinesssummit.com.
Melting man ice sculpture. Photo: Auno Media
Key Takeaways from NHS 2025
This year’s summit focused on multiple dimensions of happiness:
- National Perspective: Insights from the 2025 World Happiness Report, analyzing long-term trends in the Nordics and beyond.
- Organizational Well-Being: The role of leadership and workplace culture in enhancing employee satisfaction, creativity, and resilience.
- Personal Well-Being: Practical tools for stress management, self-care, and mental resilience.
- Academic Impact: How universities can serve as hubs for cultivating happiness through research, education, and community initiatives.
