Unlock Happiness: Insights from the UN and Experts
The Pursuit of Happiness: A Global Perspective
The Importance of Happiness
Voice 1: People all around the world recognize the importance of happiness. In 2012, the United Nations acknowledged this by passing a resolution, with all 193 member states agreeing to recognize happiness as a global human goal. They designated March 20th as the International Day of Happiness.
A Message from the United Nations
Voice 2: Today’s spotlight is on happiness.
Voice 2: On March 20th, 2015, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, shared a special message:
Voice 7: ‘I wish everyone around the world a very happy International Day of Happiness! The search for happiness is a serious business. Happiness for the whole human family is one of the main goals of the United Nations. Peace, plenty, lives of respect for all – this is what we seek. We want all men, women, and children to enjoy all their human rights. We want all countries to know the joy of peace. We want both people and planet to be blessed with lasting development, and to be free of the terrible effects of climate change. Let us give thanks for what makes us happy. And let us give our efforts to filling our world with happiness.’
What Truly Makes Us Happy?
Voice 1: But what makes people happy? Many believe happiness is tied to wealth and beauty. However, scientists and experts who have studied happiness have found this to be untrue. Good and bad things happen to everyone. Many experts believe that happiness is a choice, not solely dependent on external circumstances. It’s about how we choose to react to life’s events. Dr. Amit Sood, an expert at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, explains:
Voice 8: ‘Happiness is a habit or custom. Some of us are born happy, but most others have to choose it. We often don’t realize we have that choice, nor do we know how to exercise it. As a result, we push happiness away. Don’t let that happen to you.’
Key Takeaway
Voice 3: ‘It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.’