The first-ever Nordic Happiness Summit (NHS) took place in Helsinki from March 24–25, 2025, bringing together students, academics, artists, policymakers, and businesses to explore the theme of “Togetherness.” Organized by students from Hanken Business Lab and the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare, and Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics, this pioneering event aims to reimagine happiness from a Nordic perspective.
The summit was conceived in the basement of Hanken School of Economics by Markus Wartiovaara, who recognized a gap despite the Nordic countries’ consistent top rankings in the World Happiness Report. NHS was born from this vision—to create a space dedicated to exploring why Nordic countries rank so highly in happiness and how those values translate into practice.
By integrating perspectives from academia, business, culture, and policy, the summit addressed key issues such as workplace burnout, societal stress, and emotional resilience. The focus was not just on dialogue but also on solutions for a more connected, fulfilled society.
A Unique Student-Led Platform
NHS 2025 stood out as a fully student-driven initiative. From concept to execution, students were deeply involved. Markus Wartiovaara emphasized that NHS reflects the best of higher education—learning beyond classrooms through real-world collaboration and shared experiences.
Project leaders Onni Larri and Anton Mattsson highlighted how the World Happiness Report 2025 inspired discussions on empowerment and wellbeing. Larri noted the summit’s goal was to go beyond superficial joy and explore deeper, lasting happiness. Mattsson emphasized how the Nordic education system cultivates empowerment through critical thinking and curiosity—fundamentals that support both personal fulfillment and societal resilience.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of the 2025 summit, NHS is set to become an annual event, rotating between Helsinki and Stockholm. The next edition will be hosted in Stockholm in 2026. Micael Dahlen, a key organizer from the Stockholm School of Economics, called the 2025 edition a “mjukstart”—a soft, safe space to try, fall, and grow together.
As NHS takes root, it promises to foster ongoing dialogue and practical action around happiness in the Nordic region and beyond.
Key Themes from NHS 2025:
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National Trends: Reflections on the World Happiness Report 2025
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Workplace Wellbeing: Strategies for better organizational culture
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Personal Resilience: Tools for mental health and self-care
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Educational Impact: How universities foster happiness through learning and research
For updates on NHS 2026, visit www.nordichappinesssummit.com.
