Did you know that March 20th is the International Day of Happiness, approved by the United Nations? Let’s explore more about this special day in the following article!
1. What is the International Day of Happiness?
The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20th since 2013. It was created by Jayme Illien, a United Nations expert, with the aim of promoting and enriching happiness on a global scale. Illien presented the idea of establishing this global awareness day to senior United Nations officials in 2011.
This international holiday was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on June 20th, 2012, through resolution A/RES/66/281. The day is celebrated worldwide as a call for action, positivity, and a collective effort to build a happier world.
International Day of Happiness
2. History and significance of the International Day of Happiness
Origin of the International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness originates from the concept of Bhutan, a country known for its high happiness index based on factors such as health, spirituality, education, environment, quality of governance, and standard of living.
International Day of Happiness originated from the idea of Bhutan
In the early 1970s, Bhutan recognized the importance of national happiness, prioritizing it over Gross National Income (GNI) and setting goals related to happiness. They believed that a dedicated day for this cause was necessary for all countries and people worldwide.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon officially announced March 20th as the International Day of Happiness at a UN conference in June 2012.
Significance of the International Day of Happiness
The choice of March 20th symbolizes balance. On this day, the sun is positioned evenly on the equator, resulting in equal length of day and night, representing balance between positive and negative, light and darkness, dreams and reality.
Thus, the International Day of Happiness on March 20th conveys the message that “Balance and harmony are essential for happiness.”
In addition, the International Day of Happiness promotes a balanced approach to economic growth, emphasizing sustainable development, poverty eradication, and efforts to achieve happiness and prosperity for all.
The United Nations chose March 20th as the International Day of Happiness
3. Activities for the International Day of Happiness
Global activities
Since its establishment, the International Day of Happiness has received support from numerous countries worldwide. All 193 member countries have committed to improving quality of life, building fair societies, and promoting sustainable development to bring happiness to people.
In the first year of celebration in 2013, the International Day of Happiness was inaugurated with a conference in New York. The United Nations and the United Nations Foundation organized various ceremonies and commemorations.
In 2014, singer Pharrell Williams and the United Nations created the world’s first 24-hour music video for the song “Happiness”. People worldwide were invited to contribute their own music videos for the song within the first 24 hours.
The third International Day of Happiness in 2015 featured another global event by Pharrell Williams, the United Nations, and the United Nations Foundation. Pharrell Williams delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing that “Happiness is your birthright” and addressing the need for action on climate change. Google created a website that received over 3.5 billion contributions. Google also launched a campaign where Pharrell would randomly appear and dance in Google Hangouts.
Activities in Vietnam
Currently, all 193 member countries of the United Nations support and commit to celebrating the International Day of Happiness on March 20th by striving to improve quality of life, build fair societies, and promote sustainable development for happiness.
Vietnam celebrates the International Day of Happiness on March 20th
In Vietnam, a country with a thousand years of history, there is a strong aspiration for a happy nation, as reflected in the national motto “Independence, Freedom, Happiness.”
Freedom and happiness are inherent rights of every human being, and the happiness of a nation depends on continuously improving both material and spiritual well-being.
This goal serves as constant motivation for Vietnam’s pursuit of progress, with a determination to build and safeguard a prosperous, strong, just, democratic, and civilized nation.
4. Themes of the International Day of Happiness on March 20th
Theme of the International Day of Happiness 2023
Information about the theme of the International Day of Happiness 2023 will be updated.
Themes of previous International Day of Happiness
International Day of Happiness on March 20th, 2020 with the theme “Love and Share”
In 2020, the International Day of Happiness on March 20th was celebrated nationwide with the theme “Love and Share”. Various activities were implemented, including promoting happy families, sharing and supporting one another in maintaining a civilized and cultured lifestyle, and striving for shared happiness and prosperity for society as a whole.
In 2021, the International Day of Happiness on March 20th continued to be celebrated worldwide with the theme “Happiness For All, Forever”, expressing the wish for happiness for everyone around the world.
In 2022, the International Day of Happiness on March 20th adopted the theme “Build Back Happier”, focusing on global recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
During these challenging times, let’s share and spread love to all. Together, let’s build a civilized, progressive, and happy nation.
5. Wishes for the International Day of Happiness on March 20th
Send beautiful wishes to your loved ones on this day!
1. On the International Day of Happiness on March 20th, send heartfelt wishes to your family. Here are some example wishes:
2. Today is the International Day of Happiness. I hope my family always remains happy and joyful, overcoming all challenges in life.
3. On the International Day of Happiness, I may be far away, but I send my parents my warmest wishes, wishing them happiness and joy. I love and miss everyone.
4. My beloved daughter, may you always be happy. Remember that as a girl, it’s important to learn to love yourself first.
5. Today is the International Day of Happiness, but I can’t be home. I send my best wishes to my parents and grandparents, wishing them good health and laughter. After work, I’ll visit everyone!
6. I always wish to see my parents live happily and truly joyful, not only on the International Day of Happiness but every day. I love my parents, I love my family.
Reference: Top 50+ Sweetest, Most Meaningful, and Warmest Wishes for March 20th
Above are the details about the International Day of Happiness on March 20th. We hope that this article has provided you with interesting and meaningful information.
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