The International Day of Happiness

The International Day of Happiness is a global celebration organised by the United Nations. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, https://actionforhappiness.org/ a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like-minded organisations.  

International Day of Happiness has been celebrated since 2013 to make people aware of the importance of happiness in their lives. The UN has initiated this by including the Right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness in the Internal Law for Human Rights. 

On the day, 193 UN member states join together to highlight the importance of human joy and wellbeing.  Since 2011, the UN has adopted happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and has declared its commitment to creating “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and wellbeing of all peoples”.  

The International Day of Happiness takes place on March 20. It is the day the UN releases its World Happiness Report, which ranks countries by their happiness levels using survey data from over 150 countries. The report is prepared on indicators such as per capita income, 

This year, Finland has topped the list again, for the sixth year in a row, with Denmark, Iceland, Israel, Netherlands and Sweden taking the other top five spots. The United Kingdom was ranked as the 19th happiest country in the world, two spots lower than last year.  

It’s a beautiful concept,but  one that should not distract us from the fact that the world is a horrible place full of meaningless suffering, and with discrimination, oppression, injustice  all over the world  increasing day by day, not  everyone in the world is fortunate enough to celebrate it  Additionally depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can  hold many back from the activities that make us happy or the emotion itself.

However  I don't want  to  put  a  downer  on  the  day.  want  all  to  be  happy. and  if  your  are indeed happy,  try  to  remember  those in  pain  around  you,  release  your  smiles,  shine  your  light,  in  the   hope  it  blots  out  the ugliness  that  some people  have to bare,  and  with positivity  change the  world for those where  happiness does  not reveal  itself.

This year’s ‘Happier Together’ theme reminds us that lasting happiness comes from feeling connected to others and being part of something bigger. May your heart be filled with peace on World happiness day.Happy Spring Equinox too! Let the days brighten and life flourish once again.  Free Palestine.