The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20th to promote the idea that happiness is a fundamental human right and a key element in the overall well-being of individuals and societies. The United Nations declared this day in 2012 to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being in global development.
The theme of the International Day of Happiness varies each year, and it aims to highlight different aspects of happiness and well-being, such as mental health, social connections, and environmental sustainability. The day is celebrated in many countries around the world with various events, activities, and campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of happiness and well-being.
The International Day of Happiness emphasizes the need for a more holistic approach to development that includes not only economic growth but also social and environmental factors that contribute to people’s overall well-being. It encourages individuals and governments to take actions that promote happiness, such as cultivating positive relationships, promoting mental health, and taking care of the environment.
- The idea of a “happiness day” was first proposed by the Kingdom of Bhutan in the United Nations in 2011, as part of its efforts to prioritize Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of development.
- The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2012, which proclaimed March 20th as the International Day of Happiness, recognizing “the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.”
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- The theme for the International Day of Happiness in 2022 is “Keep Calm, Stay Wise, Be Kind”, which aims to promote mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and compassion during challenging times.
- The World Happiness Report is released annually on the International Day of Happiness, ranking countries based on their levels of happiness and well-being. The report takes into account factors such as income, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize the importance of happiness and well-being as a key component of sustainable development. Goal 3 of the SDGs focuses on “ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages”, while Goal 17 aims to “strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.”
- The International Day of Happiness has inspired many initiatives and campaigns around the world, such as the Happiness Walls, where people can write and share their thoughts on happiness, and the Happiness Bus, a mobile classroom that teaches children about well-being and positive psychology.