The United Nations declared March 20 as the International Day of Happiness in 2012. The world comes together to acknowledge and celebrate the universal goal of happiness and well-being. This day marks the significance of these goals in the public policy and emphasises the need to create a more inclusive and equitable community. It moves away from focussing on just economy as a measure of development in nations and aims to increase human happiness.
History of International Day of Happiness
Bhutan, known for prioritizing national happiness over economic wealth since the early 1970s, introduced the resolution, embracing Gross National Happiness as a key objective instead of Gross National Product. The United Nations General Assembly included happiness an an index of well-being included it in the list of the 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals. It aims to create “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”
In July 2012, adopting the 66/281 resolution, the UN declared March 20 at the International Day of Happiness. Curating a world-ranking, the UN has since published a World Happiness Report every year.
Why is International Day of Happiness 2025 celebrated?
March 20 as the International Day of Happiness stands as a reminder that happiness is a fundamental human right and goal. This day acknowledges the importance of an equitable, inclusive, and balanced economic approach that supports sustainability, poverty reduction, and overall well-being.
The UN invites people from all age-groups to integrate the celebration of the International Day of Happiness in their lives. Initiatives like educational seminars, community-building activities and social media campaigns reinforce the purpose of the day.
International Day of Happiness 2025 Theme
The theme for this year is “Caring and Sharing” emphasising the need to spread kindness and generosity to build stronger communities and uplift the well-being.
World Happiness Report 2025
Exploring the theme of ‘caring and sharing’ in World Happiness Report 2025, there are six-chapters looking at the same. Based on GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and absence of corruption, Denmark is world’s happiest country.
