Economics of Happiness Conference

Ladakh,  India - September 20th & 21st 2019

Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Together we can build an economy that supports flourishing lives on a thriving planet.

More than a Conference

Over the past eight years we have run a series of International Economics of Happiness Conferences, with the aim of critically examining the global economy, exploring strategies for systemic change, and sharing local steps to a future that works for people and planet. This year, our 21st Economics of Happiness Conference was hosted in Ladakh – the place where Local Futures first began its work.

This event was co-hosted with Local Futures, the NGO JULAY LADAKH, the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) (Deemed to be University), The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh District, and Himalayan Film House.

Group

Catalysing Positive Change

The two-day event looked at different notions of ‘progress’, and discussed the need for compassionate economics – an ‘economics of happiness’ – and what we can do to achieve it.

We looked at the many examples of people working to build vibrant local economies – both around the world and in Ladakh itself. 

Inspiring Speakers

The event brought together inspiring visionaries and change-makers from Ladakh, India and abroad. 

satish

Satish Kumar, UK

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Stanzin Dorjai Gya, Ladakh

rebecca

Rebecca Martusewicz, USA

manish-no-text

Manish Jain, Udaipur, India

Kaibo-no-text

Keibo Oiwa, Japan

Anja

Anja Lyngbaek, Denmark/Mexico

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Tsering Stobdan, Ladakh

germani

Gloria Germani, Italy

The International Economics of Happiness Conference Series

The Series began in 2012, and since then, we have organised 20 gatherings – ranging in size from 100 to over 1,000 people – in seven countries: the US, UK, Australia, Italy, India, South Korea and Japan. 

Participants at these conferences have described them as "an antidote to anger and despair," and as "an inspirational way to light the fuse for a new economy."

Core Themes

We considered strategies that would strengthen and renew Ladakh's local economy and food systems, and thereby address the region's most serious problems. Among the topics covered were:

Countering the onslaught of the corporate-led global economy in India and abroad.

Climate change

Threats to traditional Ladakhi farming systems

Rebuilding Ladakh's vibrant local economies

Learn About Localisation

Across the world, people are coming to realise that today’s crises are inextricably linked to a global economy addicted to growth and dependent on rampant consumerism.

We believe that economic localisation is the most systemic and effective alternative.

On this page you can find a detailed PDF and a short animation explaining the benefits of localisation.