The UN General Assembly this morning adopted a resolution proclaiming 20 March as the “International Day of Happiness”. The draft resolution presented by the President of the General Assembly (Qatar) was approved unanimously. No Member State was opposed to the pursuit of happiness.
It may be recalled that at its 65th session, last year, the General Assembly had adopted a resolution (65/309) on “Happiness: towards a holistic approach to development”, an initiative by the Government of Bhutan. The Bhutanese initiative was based on its leader’s belief that his nation’s priority is not only its GNP (Gross National Product) and economic growth but also its GNH (Gross National Happiness).
Today’s resolution, inter alia, calls on Member States to be conscious that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental goal. It also recognizes 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.
Furthermore, the resolution invites all Member States, the UN system and civil society to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness-raising activities. Finally it requests the Secretary-General to bring the text to the attention of all Member States, the UN system and civil society for appropriate observance.
