Shifting the Metrics of Progress: Gross National Happiness Sparks Dialogue at EY Perth

Over 100 changemakers, students, public servants, and professionals gathered at the EY office in Perth on June 6 for an evening of critical reflection and inspiration at Gross National Happiness vs GDP: Rethinking Our Future. Co-hosted by the United Nations Association of Australia WA Division (UNAAWA) and EY Perth, the event explored alternatives to conventional economic measures, highlighting Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index as a visionary model.

The evening opened with a stirring address from Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk, Bhutanese filmmaker and environmental advocate, who shared his unique campaign, The Messenger – Ride for Action! By carrying Himalayan glacial meltwater in a discarded plastic bottle across Bhutan, Nepal, and India, Jamyang illustrated the urgent threat of climate change.

“A quarter of humanity depends on these glaciers,” he said. “But GDP fails to capture their loss. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness offers a holistic vision of progress aligned with nature and community well-being.”

Renowned panellists expanded on this theme:

Professor Fiona Stanley AC FAA FASSA FAHMS, UNICEF Ambassador and epidemiologist, challenged the dominance of GDP, describing it as “a measure that counts everything—except that which makes life worthwhile.” She underscored the importance of Indigenous knowledge and social equity in creating policies that support intergenerational well-being.

Dr Deki Choden, Lecturer at Edith Cowan University and former Bhutanese banker, brought insights from Bhutan’s values-driven approach, emphasizing the integration of sustainability and community vitality in leadership and corporate social responsibility.

Bill Scanlan, Partner at EY Perth, reflected on the need for political courage to embed well-being, inclusion, and sustainability into infrastructure and investment frameworks, moving beyond narrow financial calculations.

Richard McKenzie, Head of ESG and Investor Relations at Western Australian Treasury Corporation, discussed the rise of ESG metrics in finance and the challenge of promoting credible green bonds in a resource-driven economy like Western Australia.

The panel was moderated by Dr Sandy Chong, a member of the World Economic Forum Expert Network, Founding Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Forum series in WA, and Principal of Verity Consulting. Dr Chong guided an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue on how public sector innovation can reduce inequality, build resilient infrastructure, and foster sustainable economic growth aligned with the SDGs.

Audience members also participated in an interactive quiz on happiness metrics and heard a heartfelt letter from 12-year-old Bhutanese student imploring world leaders to act on climate change.

“You’ve made the Earth sick through thoughtless actions. We are the ones who will live with the consequences,” the letter stated poignantly.

Despite sharp critiques of GDP and governmental inertia, the atmosphere was hopeful. Professor Stanley reminded attendees,

“It takes leadership and vision—but also community conversations. Ask people what they value for their children.”

The forum closed with a clear message: redefining progress to include happiness, equity, sustainability, and collective well-being is not only possible—it is imperative.