International Day of Happiness | United Nations
The purpose of the day is the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human goal.
www.un.org
What is the International Day of Happiness?
It’s a day to be happy, of course! Happiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this goal and calls for “a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”
Governments and international organizations should invest in conditions that support happiness by upholding human rights and incorporating well-being and environmental dimensions into policy frameworks, such as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The effectiveness of governments in upholding peace and social order, as well as in the fields of taxation, legal institutions, and the delivery of public services, strongly correlates with average life satisfaction.
The United Nations invites each person of any age, plus every classroom, business, and government, to join in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.
Global launch of World Happiness Report 2024
The World Happiness Report 2024 lands on March 20 to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness. Be among the first to read this year’s insights, centered around the theme of happiness for the young, the old, and everyone in between.
The 2024 World Happiness Report will be launched on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 12:00 PM EDT.
Background
The General Assembly of the United Nations, in its resolution 66/281 of July 12, 2012, proclaimed March 20 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 and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives. It also recognized the need for a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness, and the well-being of all people.
The resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a country that has recognized the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of gross national happiness over gross national product. It 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.
What does happiness mean to you?
We spoke to visitors to UN Headquarters in New York from all over the world to find out what makes them happy.
International Day of Happiness 2019 (youtube.com)
March 20 is the International Day of Happiness! This day serves as a reminder that wealth should not be measured only in gross domestic product (GDP), but in gross national happiness (GNH). National levels of happiness and well-being are important to include in policy objectives to create more sustainable and inclusive societies. The good news is that it doesn't take a lot to make us happier. Check out this video of visitors to UNHQ talking about what makes them happy, then think about what happiness means to you and let us know in the comments section!
International Day of Happiness | United Nations
The purpose of the day is the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human goal.
www.un.org
