International Day of Happiness 2021
Representational Image | Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash
International Day of Happiness is an annual day and celebrated on 20 March of every year. It is aimed to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.
It is celebrated by the United Nations on 20 March of every year Since 2013. The theme of the International Day of Happiness 2021 is “Happiness For All, Forever”
The United Nations invites each person of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to join in the celebration of the International Day of Happiness.
The 2021 Ten Steps to Global Happiness are:
- Tell Everyone About The International Day Of Happiness
- Do What Makes You Happy
- Virtually Attend A World Happiness Week Event
- Give And Spread Happiness To Others
- Celebrate Your Own Event & Let The World Know
- Share What Makes You Happy On Social Media
- Promote The United Nations “Happiness Resolutions”
- Advance The United Nations Global Goals For Sustainable Development
- Enjoy Nature And The Environment
- Spread And Adopt Happytalism As A New Human Development System
History of International Day of Happiness
The General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 66/281 of 12 July 2012 proclaimed 20 March 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 peoples.
The resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a country that 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.
World Happiness Report 2021
The World Happiness Report 2021 which was released by United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network on Friday recognised the toll that the coronavirus pandemic has taken over the general happiness and well being of the people. In the report, Finland was ranked as the happiest country in the world, for the fourth time in a row. Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and the Netherlands followed in second, third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively. Afghanistan was ranked the least happy nation. India ranked 139 out of 149 countries in the report. In the 2020 report, India had ranked 144 out of 156 countries. Among India’s neighbouring countries, Pakistan ranked 105th, China 84th, Sri Lanka 129th and Bangladesh 101st.
