Taking place 16–17 May at Nova School of Business and Economics in Cascais, WOHASU 2026 also marks 10 years since we founded the movement with a vision to advance the science and practice of happiness and human flourishing at scale. Hosted by Nova SBE, the Summit also reinforces Portugal’s growing role as a global destination for thought leadership, innovation, and human-centered dialogue.

Distinguished by its evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach, WOHASU bridges fields such as positive psychology, neuroscience, behavioral economics, leadership, and management to explore wellbeing as a driver of performance, social cohesion, innovation, and organisational sustainability.

This year’s theme, Kindness for a Happier Life, reflects something the world deeply needs right now. At a time when society feels increasingly fast, distracted, and disconnected, kindness is not weakness, but a strength. It is deeply connected to increased wellbeing, resilience, stronger relationships, better health outcomes, creativity, and even longevity.

We chose Portugal intentionally.

Portugal represents many of the values at the heart of wellbeing: quality of life, human connection, community, nature, and presence. There is a warmth and kindness in Portuguese culture that aligns beautifully with the spirit of WOHASU. Cascais, with its natural beauty and proximity to the ocean, creates the ideal environment to slow down, reflect, and rest.

Over two days, researchers, business leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world will explore the role of kindness and wellbeing as transformative forces in leadership, innovation, health, education, and human relationships. The programme will also examine how wellbeing and positive leadership contribute to organisational transformation and long-term business performance.

The Summit is intentionally designed as a multisensory experience to help participants reconnect with themselves, with others, and with the present moment. Neuroscience shows that sensory experiences shape our mood, emotions, stress levels, and overall wellbeing. This is why WOHASU goes beyond traditional conferences to create immersive experiences designed to engage the cognitive, emotional, physical, and sensory dimensions of wellbeing.

Alongside globally recognised speakers from Harvard, Stanford, Gallup, Cisco, LEGO, and beyond, attendees will experience yoga by the sea, guided small-group conversations called Tribe Time, experiential art installations by Portuguese artist Carlota Paixão, and immersive sensory experiences by mycoocoon exploring how color, light, and emotion influence wellbeing and human connection.

WOHASU is also proud to have Sheraton Cascais Resort as the Official Hotel Partner and host of the Summit’s VIP Opening Reception, welcoming speakers, partners, and guests to Portugal.

What began as a single event in Miami has evolved into a global movement focused on creating positive change one person, one organisation, and one community at a time.

Now, Portugal becomes part of that story.

worldhappinesssummit.com @wohasu