Gender

The 2026 report, based on interviews with roughly 100,000 people across 140+ countries, reinforces that happiness is not solely about wealth. Social support and trust in institutions often outweigh raw GDP in explaining national differences. Costa Rica’s surge into the top four proves that strong community ties and life satisfaction can propel mid-income nations upward.

Human Rights Watch lambasts the “explosive mob vigilantism,” calling for safeguards against assaults on journalists (340 incidents in 2025) and minorities.

Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, with an estimated 19 million people expected to live in moderate or severe climate hotspots by 2050.

Supporters argue that Gates’ philanthropic contributions – saving millions of lives through vaccination programs – should not be overshadowed by past errors. Detractors highlight the hypocrisy in a figure promoting ethical global solutions while entangled in such controversies.

The professionalization of politics has undoubtedly brought efficiency. Yet efficiency alone cannot substitute for legitimacy or internal strength. As political parties increasingly rely on consultants, the real test lies not in how loudly they can communicate, but in how accurately they can interpret their own political realities.

As the scientific community reflects on these findings, the report serves as both diagnosis and rallying cry. With global enrolment trends favouring women, the onus is on institutions to dismantle barriers and harness diverse perspectives.

In response to the survey’s release, advocates are pushing for enhanced government action. While Nepal has ratified international conventions like the Convention on the Rights of the Child, implementation lags. Proposed measures include strengthening school retention programmes, providing scholarships for girls from poor families, and enforcing anti-child marriage laws more rigorously.

The path to the Kalash Marriage Bill began five years ago, driven by community leaders and civil society organisations concerned about the erosion of indigenous rights.