Inside the 2026 World Happiness Rankings
The 2026 edition of the World Happiness Report, with the latest global happiness rankings powered by data from the Gallup World Poll, examines the striking differences in how young people have fared over time across countries and regions. Examining the association between social media use and wellbeing across age groups and cultures, and drawing on interdisciplinary contributions from leading experts, the 2026 edition seeks to clarify what societies should consider as they navigate a rapidly evolving digital age.
In partnership with Gallup, Semafor will convene to explore the latest report insights and what the research reveals about generational change, loneliness and social connection. Leaders across research, policy, media, and technology will examine how institutions and communities might cultivate solutions that prioritize connection over distraction.
When
March 19, 2026
Doors: 8:30 a.m. EDT
Programming: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EDT
Where
Washington, DC
Speakers
Jacqueline Beauchere MBE
Global Head of Platform Safety, Snap Inc.
Rep. Kat Cammack
R-Fla.
Amb. Catalina Crespo-Sancho
Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Costa Rica to the US
Amb. Ilir Dugolli
Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the US
Alise Marshall
Senior Director of Global Corporate Affairs and Impact, Pinterest
Dr. Elizabeth Milovidov
Global Head of Parental Advocacy, Roblox
Amb. Esteban Moctezuma Barragán
Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the US
Dr. Vivek Murthy
19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States
Amb. Stig P. Piras
Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in the US
Gretchen Rubin
Happiness Expert
Jennifer Wallace
Journalist, Author & Founder of The Mattering Institute
Randi Weingarten
President, American Federation of Teachers
Manoush Zomorodi
Host of NPR's "TED Radio Hour" & Author of Body Electric
Jon Clifton
CEO, Gallup Organization
Carson Domey
Executive Director, Coalition for Student Wellbeing (C4SW)
Moderators
Gina Chon
Executive Editor, Semafor
Elana Schor
Senior Washington Editor, Semafor
Morgan Chalfant
Deputy Washington Editor, Semafor
Amna Nawaz
Co-Host, PBS News Hour & Semafor Contributor
Andrew Friedman
General Manager & Head of Public Affairs, Semafor
Location
Doors: 8:30 a.m. EDT
Programming: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EDT
901 F Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20004
Media Information
Please note that external recording devices, including professional camera equipment with detachable lenses, external flash, monopods, bipods, tripods, are not permitted at this event.
Please contact communications@semafor.com if more information is needed.
What is Happiness?
Since the World Happiness Report debuted in 2012, the Gallup World Poll has provided the data behind the annual happiness rankings featured in the report and insights into global wellbeing and happiness.
Replay last year's World Happiness Report Launch Event and take a look at how people around the world defined happiness in 2025.