Wallowing in the warmth of a precious puppy cuddling closely to your chest.
Gently smiling to the contagiously gleeful giggling of a precious baby.
Smelling the sweet aroma of a fresh batch of gooey, chocolate-chip cookies baking in the oven.
Walking barefoot along the silky sand of the seaside—wind whisking through your hair, as you listen to the soothing sound of waves tumbling onto the shore.
There are many experiences that we encounter in our everyday lives that make us happy.
International Day of Happiness is all about appreciating the happiness that is already present in our lives that is often taken for granted, highlighting the impact and significance of happiness in the human experience, and striving to share this happiness with others.
What is International Day of Happiness, and Why do We Celebrate it?
International Day of Happiness, created by the United Nations and coordinated by the non-profit organisation Action for Happiness, is a global recognition of the importance of human happiness, as well as a celebration of the happiness that already exists in our lives.
As the world has progressed, so have we as humans. We no longer spend our entire lives in survival mode fending off saber tooth tigers—Rather, we seek to lead fulfilling lives with purpose.
In this day and age, “people are recognising that ‘progress’ should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy.”
This concept of prioritising happiness led to the UN General Assembly adopting a resolution in 2011 that “recognised happiness as a ‘fundamental human goal’ and called for ‘a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”
The following year, in 2012, the first ever UN conference on happiness was held.
It was at this conference that the UN General Assembly decided to officially adopt the observation of International Day of Happiness and set a date.
When is International Day of Happiness 2025?
International Day of Happiness is on 20 March every year.
This year, in 2025, International Day of Happiness falls on a Thursday.
In What Year was International Day of Happiness Officially Established?
International Day of Happiness was officially established in 2012 at the UN conference on happiness. However, the first official International Day of Happiness was celebrated in 2013.
What is the Theme for International Day of Happiness 2025?
The theme for International Day of Happiness 2025 is: “Caring and Sharing.”
“This year’s theme reminds us that lasting happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected and being part of something bigger.”
By following this simple 3-step process, you can take part in making the world a kinder place:
Step 1: Think
Think about something that you found helpful, inspiring, or encouraging recently.
For example, it could be a creative idea, an inspiring quote, a funny image, an empowering podcast, an interesting article, a positive message, or anything else that you think would put a smile on someone’s face today.
Step 2: Care
Try being thoughtful—Who is someone you care about who might benefit from it too?
Now, choose a friend, family member, coworker, neighbour, someone you haven’t seen in a while, or even a perfect stranger who could use a little positivity in their lives.
Let’s brighten their day!
Step 3: Share
Remember that sharing is caring—Now, it’s your time to spread some sunshine!
Share your reason to smile with someone, whether that’s through a text, a message on social media, a phone call, a voice note, a hand-written message, or the old-fashioned face-to-face!
Once you’ve completed these 3 steps of caring and sharing, don’t forget to spread the word and encourage others to do the same, using the hashtag #InternationalDayOfHappiness.
Inspirational International Day of Happiness Quotes
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
“Maybe happiness didn’t have to be about the big sweeping circumstances, about having everything in your life in place. Maybe it was about stringing together a bunch of small pleasures.”
“Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.”
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”