UN celebrates International Day of Happiness on March 20

CAIRO – 20 March 2022: The United Nations celebrates the International Day of Happiness every year on March 20.

Since our planet is witnessing unprecedented challenges, it is very important to be happy.

The International Day of Happiness is created to raise awareness on the value of happiness in life and the overall impact it can have on the well-being of humans.

On July 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 20 as International Day of Happiness, highlighting the importance of happiness and well-being as common aims and ambitions in the lives of all people worldwide.

In 2013, the United Nations' 193 member states celebrated the first International Day of Happiness.

In 2015, the United Nations created 17 Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to reduce poverty, inequality, and protecting the environment. Those are three crucial components that lead to happiness and well-being.

“Build Back Happier” is the theme for 2022, and is aimed at achieving global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Family and friends were unable to enjoy their lives and get together due to the circumstances imposed by the global pandemic for long periods of time.

The global pandemic had its toll on people’s livelihoods and economies as well. This made happiness in an all-time low in many regions around the world.

Right now across the world, there are many crisis situations, including those in Ukraine, Yemen, Gaza, and elsewhere.

This makes focusing on happiness increasingly difficult. Therefore, on International Day of Happiness, let's remind ourselves that our actions matter and that it can make a big difference.

Each one of us can contribute to a more compassionate and loving world.