User:IanGDMurray

The term “sustainable happiness” was introduced by Catherine O’Brien in the paper Planning for Sustainable Happiness: Harmonizing our Internal and External Landscapes at the 2nd International Conference on Gross National Happiness that was held in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on June 20–24, 2005. In subsequent articles, O’Brien refined the definition of sustainable happiness and continues to use the following definition

"Sustainable happiness is happiness that contributes to individual, community, and/or global wellbeing and does not exploit other people, the environment, or future generations."

Sustainable happiness integrates principles from positive psychology, happiness studies and sustainability. It underscores the fact that human happiness and wellbeing is interdependent with other people, other species and the natural environment.

In 2009, Cape Breton University became the first university in the world to offer a course on sustainable happiness.

Research on happiness and wellbeing garnered world attention in July of 2011, when a United Nations General Assembly resolution on happiness and wellbeing was passed unanimously by all member states. Referred to as UN General Assembly resolution A/65/L.86, the resolution was introduced by Bhutan and recommended that member states give greater priority to happiness and wellbeing in social and economic development policies. Building on this resolution, Jigmi Y. Thinley, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, states that the purpose of the resolution is to promote "sustainable happiness and wellbeing".