March 20, A Day for Happiness
Why Is the World Celebrating It?
It is true that the world celebrates the Day of Happiness on the 20th of March, but can we find happiness in a wounded world full of crises and conflicts and which its people are suffering from wars, diseases, poverty and famine...???
Despite this situation, we will stress on happiness and join the United Nations in celebrating the world day of happiness, which was added to the UN calendar of international days. With this day, the United Nations recognized the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings amidst the difficulties that our world is witnessing.
Hence, the United Nations proclaimed the International Day of Happiness, which is celebrated on the 20th of March of each year.
What is the story of this day? And why was this date chosen?
In fact, Jayme Illien, an Adviser at the United Nations, created the idea of the International Day of Happiness, according to a British newspaper. Noting that this day was celebrated for the first time on the 20th of March 2011. As well as, annual celebrations are held for the occasion in 193 countries and 2 other countries which are not members of the United Nations.
It is worth mentioning that Illien had proposed the idea of establishing a new and special day for happiness to senior United Nations officials. Thus, former Secretary General of the Unites Nations supported the idea and agreed to add the day in the UN official international calendar.
Jayme Illien wrote the United Nations Resolution 66/281 entitled “International Day of Happiness,” which was adopted unanimously by all UN member states on June 28, 2012. Therefore, the United Nations emphasized through this resolution, that “Happiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this goal and calls for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples”.
On the International Day of Happiness 2015, the United Nations launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet.
On the other hand, Jayme Illien chose March 20 as International day of Happiness, because it falls on the day of "solar equinox", which is the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, and the day and night are equal. On Earth, there are two equinoxes every year, around March 20 and September 23.
Communication and Public Relations Department