UN highlights sustainable development on International Day of Happiness

NEW YORK, March 20 -- UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed Monday called for efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development to mark the International Day of Happiness.

"We need more inclusive, equitable and balanced approaches to development that promote sustainability, poverty eradication, happiness and well-being of all peoples," said Mohammed at a special event to mark the day at the UN headquarters.

She urged all governments to "have a duty to ensure the minimum conditions for happiness for all peoples," such as access to nutrition and basic services, basic human rights and social protection.

"Let's keep in mind that the goal of development is to increase people's well-being but not at all costs, not at the cost of environment or the marginalization of the poor and other vulnerable groups," she added.

Besides, the "Small Smurfs Big Goals" campaign was created to encourage people to visit SmallSmurfsBigGoals.com to find out how to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to share information, ideas and images on social media.

In July 2012, the UN General Assembly proclaimed March 20 the International Day of Happiness, to recognize the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.

Voice actors from the animated movie Smurfs: The Lost Village on Friday joined 1,500 students from the international Model UN conference to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, which focuses on personal well-being, and the SDGs, which include decent work for all, education and health services.

On Monday evening, the film cast along with the UN, UNICEF and UN Foundation will be at the Empire State Building to turn the iconic tower blue in honor of both the International Day of Happiness and the Small Smurfs Big Goals campaign.