Last year the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority and decreed that the International Day of Happiness would be observed every year on 20 March. Young Foundation venture Action for Happiness is leading the campaign to celebrate the first ever International Day of Happiness, and The Young Foundation is an official partner.

The focus for the International Day of Happiness is on bringing happiness to others. Creating a happier society requires action at all levels – not just from political leaders and institutions but also from us as individual citizens. When we do things to bring happiness to others, everyone benefits. It helps the people we connect with, boosts our own well-being and also inspires others to be more caring and positive too.

As a member of the Beyond GDP consortium, The Young Foundation is also interested in looking at happiness and wellbeing as an alternate measure of social progress. We want to encourage greater use, consistency and development of measures of social progress across municipalities, cities and regions.

There are several ways you can participate in the International Day of Happiness. We’re hoping you’ll agree to ACT: Affirm the pledge “I will try to create happiness in the world around me”; Cheer your your personal “happiness heroes”; and Take part on the day through events, activity ideas and social media.

For more information, and to share your plans and wishes for the day, visit the Day of Happiness website. Happy Day of Happiness, everybody!