Global Happiness Council Education Policy Briefs give us the space to re-imagine education to support psychosocial well-being of learners and educators as a foundation for effective teaching and learning.

The panel “Deepening the Impact of ESD through Social Emotional Learning and Happiness” took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and the inaugural Transforming Education Summit, convened in response to the global crisis in education. The panel was co-hosted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), The World Happiness Report and Wall’s Ice Cream.

Panelists discussed the Education Brief of the Happiness Council to encourage countries and Ministers of Education to urgently prioritize strategies within education that take a more holistic approach and focus on learner mental health, well-being, and skills for resilience. The discussion built on the topics shared in the Mission 4.7 Ministerial Panel, as well as on recent research produced by the World Happiness Report in partnership with Wall’s Ice Cream. The panel discussed opportunities and holistic strategies to impact the resilience, mental health and wellbeing of every child and learner.

By bringing together policy interventions, practical strategies and evidence-based approaches, the event explored how social connection is a key driver for happiness and improved well-being, and a crucial player in achieving SDG 4.7.