[GreenYes] 3rd International Conference on Gross National Happiness

[RicAnthony@no.address]

3rd  International Conference on Gross National Happiness 

TOWARDS  GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION 

WORLD  VIEWS MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

Thailand,  22-28 November 2007 


Rationale: 
The  launching of the concept of Gross National Happiness in the global arena 
has  induced a growing movement calling for transformation of conventional  
development policies and practices at all levels. By placing ‘happiness’ at 
the  center of development, the current obsession with economic growth, measured 
by  Gross National (or Domestic) Product, has been fundamentally challenged. 
In a  great diversity of world views, happiness is the essence of life. 
Efforts are  made to better understand and to monitor happiness. Well-being indices 
serve  public policy development, in order to counter wealth-dominated, 
unsustainable,  globalization. Bhutan, considered to be a poor  country from a 
conventional view point, but rich in culture and ‘natural  capital’, is inspiring 
towards global transformation. Whether we can measure  happiness or not, the 
diversity of our world views make a difference on the  ground.   
Co-organizers:   
Sathirakoses Nagapradipa Foundation and the Center for  Bhutan Studies. 
In  partnership with a network of Thai NGOs and Youth groups, NGOs from the 
Mekong  region; Social Venture Network Asia and independent business leaders; 
Ministry  of Social Development & Human Security, and ‘Well-being Index Network’
,  Government of Thailand. 
Objectives: 
·       To  provide a creative platform for inspirational exchanges on 
revitalization of  ancient cultures and sufficiency life styles in the face of 
globalization; and  cross-cultural communication on transformative world views 
through story-telling  and folk arts. 
·       To  facilitate exchanges, interaction, scientific debate on research 
related to  Gross National Happiness and public policy development; to further 
shape ongoing  research frameworks. 
·       To  strengthen and innovate social movements and supporting networks 
that improve  people’s happiness on the ground, genuine well-being and Human 
Security  involving the diversity of stakeholders (civil society; governments 
at all  levels; corporate sector). 


Format  of the conference: 
The  organizers support engagement of local, national and international as 
well as  issue-based partnerships based on autonomy; the conference serves as a 
creative  momentum when participants of related activities over the year, and 
in various  parts of the world, can meet and converge.  
Previous  conferences: 
The first  International Conference ‘Operationalizing Gross National Happiness
’ was  convened in Thimphu, Bhutan, February 2004 by the Center for Bhutan 
Studies [_www.bhutanstudies.org.bt_ (http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/) ]. It  
coincided with the colourful celebration of Bhutanese New  Year. 
The  second International Conference on Gross National Happiness ‘Re-thinking 
Development: Local Pathways to Global Well-being’ was organized in Nova 
Scotia, Canada by Genuine Progress Index (GPI) Atlantic [_www.gpiatlantic.org_ 
(http://www.gpiatlantic.org/) ] in June  2005. 
Smaller  gatherings took place in Thailand at the Asian Institute of 
Technology in  September 2004; and with partners from the Mekong region at 
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, and Wongsanit Ashram in August 2006.  In Japan a 
conference was  organized at Osaka  University. 
Partnership  and sponsoring: 
GPI  Atlantic fully supports the 3rd International Conference in  Thailand to 
secure continuity and  accumulation of experiences. All participating 
international organizations,  networks and independent individuals are invited to 
join the  conference-partnership.  
Development  agencies and foundations are welcome to support the conference 
process and the  emerging global process of long term local  
operationalization. 
Organizing  Committee and Speakers: 
The  Organizing Committee is Co-chaired by Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa, President  
Sathirakoses Nagapradipa Foundation and H.E. Paiboon Wattanasiritham, Minister 
of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand.  Speakers that confirmed 
are Vandana Shiva and Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley. Many more  speakers, such as John 
Ralston Saul, have already indicated interest, and other  speakers and 
resource persons will be approached. Your suggestions and help are  most welcome.  
Please  contact us: 
Initial  organizing team: Somboon, Wallapa and Hans at _hans@no.address 
(mailto:hans@no.address)    
Suan Nguen  Mee Ma Co., Ltd. 
113-115 Fuang Nakorn  Road 
Bangkok  10200 
Thailand 
Tel (+66) 2  622 0955 fax (+66) 2 22 3228 
_www.suan-spirit.com_ (http://www.suan-spirit.com/)  
A  conference website is in the  making.


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