International Day of Happiness Set on March 20

There’s no time to be blue and frowns have to be kept at bay on March 20. This is because it has been designated as the International Day of Happiness. This is a United Nations initiative that was agreed upon by the 193 members of the international organization. It’s meant to be a time of reflection and to take concrete steps to achieve happiness on both a local and global scale.

First time

The International Day of Happiness was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly last June 28, 2012. It was determined that happiness is a fundamental goal of all human beings, which is why there is a need to recognize the need to pursue and develop it aside from economic growth and sustainable development.

There is a shift to include a more holistic view of development, taking into account the happiness of people, aside from trying to push for economic development. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-mon has said that a new economic paradigm includes three pillars for sustainable development. These are economic, social, and environmental well-being and these three cannot be separated from each other.

Why March 20

It’s no coincidence that the Day of Happiness lands on March 20. This day is considered he equinox, meaning that the length of daylight and evening hours is exactly the same. The equal length of day and evening hours is symbolic of the equal need for both peace and economic stability in the pursuit of development.

What to expect

 

All member countries of the United Nations are encouraged to promote their own initiatives and projects in support of the day. Some of these may include education and public awareness raising initiatives. Seminars and talks may also be given to make known the benefits of happiness.

 

In Brussels, there is a luncheon, while in Australia, there is a conference on Happiness. A flashmob activity is set in Washington DC while in Liverpool, positive message banners will greet people.

At the UN Headquarters in New York, the organization is holding a talk with speakers from various UN representatives from Bhutan and Iraq, as well as various members of the academe from top universities in the world.

It’s time to ACT

Citizens of the world who wish to support this initiative need only to remember the acronym ACT, which stands for Affirm, Cheer and Take. This means the activities for the day must help “Affirm the happiness pledge, Cheer Happy Heroes and Take part on the day’s activities.”

Some initiatives

There’s a mobile app that supports the day and it’s called Cheers. Another campaign in support of March 20 is #HappyDay initiative, which has support from half a million people from 130 different countries.

So keep the happiness initiative on Wednesday, March 20, in support of the International Day of Happiness. Don’t forget to say thank you to those you consider to be heroes and those who show you kindness. It’s the one day in the year everyone is meant to be happy.