A new development paradigm based on happiness and well-being: Max-Neef's contributions for building a better world

In July 2011, inspired by Bhutan, the United Nations General Assembly Adopted the Resolution 65/309 entitled “Happiness: Towards a holistic approach to development”. Further, on April 2012, Bhutan hosted a High-Level Meeting at the UN headquarters. Almost 1000 governmental, international, scholarly, business, religious and civil society leaders attended in order to think in a new development paradigm based on happiness and well-being (NDP). Bhutan was also asked to appoint an International Expert Working Group (IEWG) to prepare the basis for this NDP. At the end of 2013, the IEWG submitted a report to the UN 68th Session of the General Assembly (Happiness: Towards a New Development Paradigm), and in 2017, a book was published (Happiness: Transforming the Development Landscape). Manfred Max-Neef was part of and deeply inspired the IEWG work. This chapter has three goals. First, to explain the need for an NDP. Second, to synthesise the importance and the scientific conceptualisations of happiness and well-being. Third, to summarise how Max-Neef's insights inspired key IEWG ideas for the NDP proposed. Particular importance will be given to his thoughts about how a “good life” may help to build a better world.