March Twenty is the International Day of Happiness

I recently learned that my birthday and website, March 20^th, land on what is known as the U.N. International Day of Happiness. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, when all 193 member states unanimously adopted UN resolution 66/281, recognizing happiness as a fundamental human right and goal, and aspiration in the lives of all human beings.

It was first proposed by Jayme Illien, a former orphan from India who became a human rights activist, social entrepreneur and UN adviser. Illien was inspired by the concept of “Happytalism”, which he coined and defined as “a new economic system, theory and philosophy that places the primacy of happiness, well-being, and freedom at the center of human development and all life.”

Illien launched a campaign at the UN from 2006 to 2012 to promote happiness and well-being as public policy objectives. He also collaborated with Luis Gallardo, the founder and president of the World Happiness Foundation, a global network of organizations and individuals dedicated to advancing happiness and peace. Together, they advocated for the creation of a global happiness day to raise awareness and action on the importance of happiness for all.

In 2011, Illien presented his proposal to the UN General Assembly, with the support of the Kingdom of Bhutan, a small Himalayan nation that had pioneered the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) since the 1970s. GNH is an alternative measure of progress that considers not only economic growth, but also social, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. Bhutan also hosted a high-level meeting on “Happiness and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” in 2012, which brought together world leaders, experts, and civil society to discuss the role of happiness in development.

The UN General Assembly embraced Illien’s proposal and passed the resolution on June 28, 2012, declaring March 20 as the International Day of Happiness. The date was chosen to coincide with the spring equinox, a symbol of balance and harmony in nature. The resolution also invited all member states, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to observe the day appropriately, including through education, public awareness, and activities that promote happiness and well-being.

Since then, the International Day of Happiness has become a global phenomenon, with millions of people participating in various events and initiatives every year. Some of the highlights include the annual World Happiness Report, which ranks countries by their happiness levels; the World Happiness Fest, which features online and offline gatherings, workshops, and concerts; the Happiness Pledge, which invites people to commit to creating more happiness in the world; and the 10 Steps to Global Happiness, which are simple actions that anyone can take to increase their own and others’ happiness.

The International Day of Happiness is more than just a day to be happy. It is a day to celebrate our common humanity and our shared values. It is a day to remind ourselves that happiness is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is a day to inspire ourselves and others to make happiness a priority in our lives and our societies. It is a day to join a global movement that aims to create a happier and more peaceful world for everyone.

Happy Birthday to me and Happy International Day of Happiness to the rest of you! 😀