History of International Day of Happiness in Timeline

International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20th worldwide. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on June 28, 2012, to promote happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world. The day serves as a reminder that progress should be about increasing collective happiness and quality of life, not just economic growth. It encourages governments and organizations to incorporate well-being into their policies and programs.

2006: Happytalism Campaign at the UN

In 2006, Jayme Illien, along with Luis Gallardo, started a campaign at the United Nations to encourage the importance of happiness, well-being, and democracy.

July 2011: UN Adopts Happiness Resolution

In July 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted UN resolution 65/309, "Happiness Toward A Holistic Approach To Growth". This initiative followed the idea of Jayme Illien, and was proposed by then-Prime Minister Jigme Thinley of Bhutan.

June 2012: UN Establishes International Day of Happiness

On June 2012, the United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Happiness.

2012: Happytalism Campaign Ends

In 2012, Jayme Illien's "Happytalism" campaign at the United Nations ended. The campaign, which started in 2006, was intended to advance the importance of happiness, well-being, and democracy.

2012: International Day of Happiness Officially Established

In 2012, the International Day of Happiness was officially established by the United Nations, building on the concept of Jayme Illien.

January 2013: Ban Ki-moon's Address to the UN General Assembly

On January 22, 2013, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the importance of people working together to address global problems and create a society focused on happiness.

2013: First Commemoration of International Day of Happiness

In 2013, the International Day of Happiness was first commemorated, following its official establishment by the United Nations in 2012.

2015: UN Launches Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and protecting the planet to improve people's lives.

2022: Smiley Projections for International Day of Happiness

For the International Day of Happiness in 2022, smiley faces replicating the colors of the Ukrainian flag were projected onto buildings in cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin and Paris, to show solidarity with Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War.