International Day of Happiness is an annual day celebrated on 20 March every year. It is aimed at recognizing the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.
History: International Day of Happiness
The United Nations General Assembly declared 20th March as the International Day of Happiness in its resolution 66/281 dated 12th July 2012. The resolution acknowledges that happiness and well-being are fundamental aspirations and goals of all human beings worldwide and that they should be recognized in public policy objectives. It also emphasizes the need for a fair, inclusive, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, the eradication of poverty, happiness, and well-being of all people.
The resolution was proposed by Bhutan, a country that prioritized national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and adopted Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product as its goal. Bhutan also hosted a High-Level Meeting on “Happiness and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly.
Theme: International Day of Happiness 2024
The theme of International Day of Happiness 2024 is not predetermined as it may vary each year depending on the priorities and initiatives of the United Nations and other organizations that promote happiness and well-being. Typically, themes of the International Day of Happiness focus on aspects such as resilience, kindness, mental health, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being.
The theme for the International Day of Happiness in 2024 revolves around “Reconnecting for Happiness: Building Resilient Communities.” This theme underscores the importance of fostering connections, strengthening social bonds, and building resilient communities to promote happiness and well-being in the face of challenges.
World Happiness Report
On March 20, 2023, the 11th edition was virtually launched, with Lara B. Aknin, Shun Wang, Jan Emmanuel De Neve, John F. Helliwell, Richard Layard, and Jeffrey Sachs delivering their remarks and discussing the report’s key themes. The 2024 World Happiness Report is scheduled to be launched on Monday, March 20, 2024.
Significance: International Day of Happiness
Happiness is a crucial factor in maintaining our mental and physical well-being. Research has revealed that happy people tend to have better relationships, flourish in their careers, and live longer than unhappy people. The International Day of Happiness is a day dedicated to reflecting on what brings us happiness and recognizing its importance in our lives.
The International Day of Happiness encourages people worldwide to take action towards promoting happiness in their communities. This could be done through simple acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting local initiatives that promote well-being. The day also provides an opportunity for governments and organizations to take steps towards enhancing the happiness and well-being of their citizens and employees.