Happiness is a fundamental human goal. Every year, on March 20, people around the world come together to celebrate World Happiness Day, emphasizing the importance of happiness and well-being as global aspirations in people's lives. This day serves as a reminder that happiness is a basic human right and goal.
World Happiness Day According to the United Nations
As stated on the official UN website (un.org), World Happiness Day is not just a regular celebratory event but a global movement towards a happier, more inclusive, and resilient world for all people. The 2025 edition of World Happiness Day reflects the United Nations' commitment to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing that individual and societal happiness is directly linked to the prosperity of our planet. Hence, this special day truly deserves the attention it receives.
The UN General Assembly recognized this goal and called for "a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all people." In 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted March 20 as World Happiness Day, acknowledging happiness and well-being as global objectives in human life. It also emphasized the need for a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth, promoting sustainable development, poverty eradication, and achieving happiness and well-being for all.
Bhutan, a country that recognized the importance of national happiness over gross national income in the early 1970s, initiated this movement. Bhutan famously adopted a goal to increase Gross National Happiness (GNH) alongside Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, Bhutan hosted a high-level meeting on "Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Model" during the 66th session of the General Assembly.
Launch of the 2025 World Happiness Report
On March 20, World Happiness Day, the 2025 World Happiness Report will be launched, featuring a series of global events broadcast live. This year's edition once again ranks countries based on their average life satisfaction levels, highlighting the continued gap between the happiest and least happy nations. For another consecutive year, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.
The report covers six chapters discussing "care and engagement" from various perspectives and explores the latest research on the importance of kindness, compassion, and trust as key drivers of individual and national happiness. The rankings are based on:
- A three-year average of life satisfaction assessments.
- Factors like individual GDP.
- Social support available to individuals.
- Healthy life expectancy.
- Levels of freedom, generosity, and perceived corruption.
A Million Extra Acts of Care and Engagement Worldwide
World Happiness Day emphasizes this year's theme: "Care and Share," highlighting the significance of kindness and generosity in building stronger communities and enhancing general well-being. Studies have shown that engaging in acts of generosity and expecting kindness from others significantly contributes to happiness. The theme reminds us that lasting happiness comes from caring for one another, feeling connected, and participating in a larger community.
According to the official World Happiness Foundation website, the initiative will encourage a million extra acts of care and sharing globally. You can join by performing an additional act of care or participation. American historian and social critic Howard Zinn once said, "We don’t need to do big heroic acts to take part in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." Simple actions like expressing gratitude, engaging in meaningful conversations, or supporting community initiatives can make a big difference.
How to Participate in World Happiness Day
Step 1: Reflect Take a few minutes to reflect on something that has recently inspired or brought you happiness. It could be a new idea, a quote, a picture, a podcast, an article, a book, or a place.
Step 2: Care Identify someone you care about who might also benefit from your happiness. Choose a friend, family member, colleague, neighbor, or someone you haven’t seen in a while.
Step 3: Share Find a way to connect with them on World Happiness Day to share your happiness. You can share your joy in several ways:
- Send a text message.
- Share on social media.
- Leave a voice message.
- Call them.
- Visit them to greet them.
Join the celebration and contribute to spreading happiness and kindness around the world!
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