United Nations and HappinessDay.org Announce 4th Annual International Day of Happiness on Sunday, March 20, 2016

NEW YORK, March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- United Nations (UN) and Happiness Day are overjoyed to announce the 4th annual International Day of Happiness on Sunday, March 20, 2016.

The International Day of Happiness is an official UN day founded in 2012, which "recognizes the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal" and the "need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples."

Jayme Illien conceptualized the International Day of Happiness with the belief that happiness is a human right for all human beings and that the recently popular "happiness movement " holds the key catalysts to unlocking individual and global happiness.

To support and advance this 4th annual day, Jayme and HappinessDay.org are encouraging everyone around the world to share videos, GIFs, happy photos and thoughts celebrating International Day of Happiness on social media hashtag #InternationalDayOfHappiness tagging United Nations International Day of Happiness on Facebook and UNIDOHappiness on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat with posts appearing on HappinessDay.org.

"Governments, businesses, non profits and everyone across the globe have a civic responsibility to promote happiness as a human right," said International Day of Happiness Founder, Jayme Illien. "Happiness is a fundamental human right and goal, and every person on this planet should experience it not only on this special day, but throughout year."

International Day of Happiness Founder, Jayme Illien collaborated with friends Kweku and Ndaba Mandela (Nelson Mandela's grandsons) and artist/photographer Joseph Peter in 2012 approaching senior UN officials and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon about creating a new global day, the "International Day of Happiness." Jayme got approved, drafted the resolution, and then lobbied 193 countries resulting in UN Resolution 66/281, birthing the International Day of Happiness.

"Everyone smiles in the same language," added Illien. "Happiness economics, happiness in public policy, and happiness as a human right, choice and approach to business and life represent the potential of all human beings to unite around common values and solutions at a time when our species and planet are facing transformative challenges and opportunities.

In 2015, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon said "Happiness for the entire human family is one of the main goals of the United Nations."

In 2016, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed of UAE announced a new "Minister of Happiness" position and 100 days of Happiness action plan.

International Day of Happiness has received support from Google, Pharrell, UN Foundation, Richard Branson, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Cody Simpson, Gwen Stefani, Gretchen Rubin, Jeffrey Sachs, Live Happy, Action for Happiness.

About HappinessDay.org:HappinessDay.org is the official site of the United Nations International Day of Happiness. HappinessDay.org's mission is to promote UN resolution 66/281 "The International Day of Happiness" and "Gross Global Happiness". www.happinessday.org.

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SOURCE HappinessDay.org