Closing Remarks

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

As the Global Dialogue for Happiness comes to an end, our journey together has only just begun  

It is through your shared knowledge and commitment today that we held the most important dialogue, in the most critical of times 

Today we witnessed visionary and inspirational talks 

We’ve studied the science, examined measurement tools, and looked into policy implementation of happiness across the globe

We also planted the seeds for a community of global happiness experts, which we named the “Global Happiness Communities” 

All our discussions today had one common conclusion, that happiness is not a luxury for people 

Happiness is fundamental human goal  

There are 7 billion people in the world, all of whom are in pursuit of happiness

People want governments to provide high quality education and healthcare, they want to feel safe and secure, and they want decent jobs and housing. 

As governments, we are responsible for creating such an enabling environment that empowers our people to choose to be happy

Our measure of success as governments is whether our people are able to flourish; to enjoy a productive, secure and rewarding life. 

We are aware that as we speak, many people around the world are still facing problems and suffering from misery 

This is especially true in our region, where conflict, instability and intolerance are on the rise, taking their toll on human welfare and growth 

The prevalence of depression and anxiety among children under 19 in our region is the highest in the world. 

But it is because of all the misery and the conflict in the world that happiness becomes more important at this point in time 

There is nothing more beautiful and rewarding than to create joy in people’s hearts

The focus on universal human values, such as tolerance, kindness, love, peace, respect, also gain more importance to confront hate, conflict and disrespect  

Dear friends, 
This is only the beginning of our combined efforts to place people’s happiness at the heart of everything we do as governments, organizations and individuals 
Personally, I am fully committed to this agenda, and so is my government
I believe the dawn of happiness has arrived, and we will witness an era of enlightenment on this front. 
So let’s work together for the good of humanity 
Let’s send a message of hope from this region to the whole world… a message that from a region of conflict, happiness can emerge 
Let’s together start a global movement towards happiness and welfare of societies 
After all, what bigger reason to bring us together than happiness 
Finally, I invite you all to actively participate in the World Government Summit sessions and activities in the coming 3 days 
On behalf of the World Government Summit Organization, I thank you for your participation, and look forwards to working together… towards a happier world  

Thank you