The General Assembly, by its resolution A\/RES\/66\/281, has proclaimed 20 March as the International Day of Happiness.\u00a0 The resolution recognizes the \u201crelevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals \u2026\u00a0and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives; and the need for\u00a0\u201da more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples.\u201d<\/p>\n
The adoption of the resolution followed a high-level meeting on \u201cWell-being and happiness\u201d, held at UN Headquarters on 2 April 2012.\u00a0 The main sponsor of the high-level meeting was the Kingdom of Bhutan.\u00a0 \u00a0The meeting concluded that, while material prosperity is important, it is far from being the only determinant of well-being.<\/p>\n
On the occasion of the first International Day of Happiness, the United Nations Academic Impact, in association with the Permanent Mission of Bhutan, will host a conversation on \u201c\u201cHappiness and well-being: Essential for a sustainable future\u201d on 20 March 2013, from 1:15 \u2013 2:30 at UN Headquarters.\u00a0 Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, Under-Secretary- General for Communications and Public Information, will introduce the theme of the day\u2019s conversation.\u00a0 He will be joined by the following special guests:<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b>Members of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Jazz Society will provide musical prelude.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b>The event is open to all. However, to attend, one needs to register by sending an email to academicimpact@un.org (subject: IDH). <\/b>The event will also be available live on the web at webtiv.un.org<\/b><\/p>\n