The International Day of Happiness, marked each year on March 20, celebrates the pursuit of happiness as a universal goal, with the 2025 theme focusing on "Happiness for All." At this year's festivities in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province, various activities are planned from March 12 to March 25 to spread the message of love, sharing, and the fundamental role of happy families in achieving a prosperous society.
Founded on the idea of promoting human values and well-being, the International Day of Happiness was enshrined by a UN resolution on June 28, 2012, recognizing the significance of happiness in society. As noted by Madame Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, a member of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in Quang Binh, this day symbolizes balance and harmony—concepts that are central to many cultures.
According to Madame Thuy, "The International Day of Happiness is inspired by Bhutan’s concept of measuring happiness through various indices, including health, education, and environmental sustainability. This day is a moment for reflection and collective action, encouraging solidarity and cooperation among all sectors of society to improve the quality of life and foster a sustainable community." With Vietnam joining 193 countries in celebrating this day, it emphasizes a commitment to creating a just society where happiness is a right for every individual.
In 2025, the propaganda message for the day states, "Happiness is love and sharing; a happy family is the foundation of a prosperous nation." This resonates with the age-old belief that familial bonds and values are the core of a nation’s strength. The focus on family implies that happiness shouldn't be viewed as a luxury but as a fundamental human right. This philosophy aims not only to uplift individuals but also to strengthen the fabric of society through shared experiences of joy and mutual support.
The slogan for 2025, “Happiness for all,” underscores that achieving happiness requires equitable social structures where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. "To attain happiness, a fair and egalitarian society must be built, where everyone is respected and loved," Thuy elaborated during an interview. This is particularly poignant in today's fast-paced world, where the pressures of modern life can overshadow the importance of nurturing personal relationships and cherishing simple moments.
In preparation for the International Day of Happiness, provinces throughout Vietnam, including Quang Binh, are organizing a series of impactful events designed to engage the community. From March 12 to March 25, numerous activities will take place, including the promotion of communication campaigns that highlight the importance of the day, such as hanging banners and slogans along major roads. These efforts will encourage dialogue about happiness and foster a sense of community.
Additionally, local authorities plan to use public address systems to disseminate messages regarding the significance of the day, focusing on educational seminars, art festivals, and sporting events. These activities will bring together citizens and challenge them to think about the values that contribute to happiness and well-being.
Furthermore, a significant focus will be placed on promoting happy families and communities. Activists will advocate for the implementation of laws to prevent domestic violence and enhance cultural values within families. "Domestic violence is illegal; preventing and combating it is a societal obligation,” stated Madame Thuy, emphasizing that ending violent behaviors is crucial for family happiness and, ultimately, national prosperity.
As the province readies for this occasion, residents are encouraged to participate in efforts that cultivate joy not just at home but in their wider communities. Achieving happiness, as Madame Thuy articulated, “is not just individual satisfaction, but also social cohesion, sharing, and mutual support among people.”
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism's campaign for the day aims to raise awareness of the significance of happiness at all societal levels. It advocates for practical steps to foster love, compassion, and sharing within communities, ultimately promoting happiness as the highest value of human life.
Vietnam's preparations for the International Day of Happiness exemplify a commitment not only to celebrate joy but to actively nurture it within families, neighborhoods, and society at large. As communities engage in this celebration, they are reminded that happiness is a journey, not merely a destination. The collective efforts across the nation reinforce the message that a better world can be built together, where everyone contributes to the happiness of individuals and families alike.
