ON FIRST INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS, BAN CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT New York, Mar 20 2013 10:00AM Marking the first ever
International Day of Happiness, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called
on the international community to commit to an inclusive and sustainable
human development that will improve the well-being of those who lack basic
services needed to pursue happiness.
“People around the world aspire to lead happy and fulfilling lives free from
fear and want, and in harmony with nature,” Mr. Ban said in his
<“http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sgsm14872.doc.htm“>message for the
Day.
“Yet, basic material well-being is still elusive for far too many living in
extreme poverty. For many more, recurring socio-economic crises, violence
and crime, environmental degradation and increasing threats of climate
change are an ever-present threat.”
In April 2012, the UN held a High-level Meeting on the topic of ‘Happiness
and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm’ at the initiative of
Bhutan, a country which recognized the supremacy of national happiness over
national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of Gross
National Happiness over Gross National Product (GDP).
In July, the General Assembly proclaimed 20 March the International Day of
Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as
universal goals and aspirations in people’s lives around the world and the
importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.
“I am encouraged by the efforts of some Governments to design policies based
on comprehensive well-being indicators. I encourage others to follow suit,”
Mr. Ban said. “On this first International Day of Happiness, let us
reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and
renew our pledge to help others.
“When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched.
Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want.”
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