The International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide every March 20, and it aims to inspire and advance a global happiness movement. The day recognizes that happiness is a fundamental human goal, and calls upon countries to approach public policies in ways that improve the well-being of all peoples.
On this day we call attention to the need for more focus on the social, emotional and environmental wellbeing of young people. UN resolution adopted in 2012 identifies the pursuit of happiness as "a fundamental human goal". Yet social inequalities, poverty and unemployment put young people at risk of social marginalization. In the pursuit of happiness young people often turn to substance abuse. This leads to a negative cycle of disappointment and depression- further impacting youth health, academic performance, job opportunities and negatively affecting users’ families and communities.
Investing in the psychosocial wellbeing of children and youth is key to preventing substance abuse and leads to social and emotional well-being and happiness.