International Day of Happiness
Build up a Happy World with Love and Conscience
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
March 20, 2024
Distinguished Guests, Dear friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good day!
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 20th as "International Day of Happiness" in 2012, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of people around the world. Celebrating the "International Day of Happiness" provides an important opportunity for people to reflect on the meaning and value of happiness, to focus on the well-being of global citizens, and to contemplate how to make the social environment better and more stable. It also emphasizes the importance of mental health, strengthens positive energy, encourages people to pay attention to and support individuals facing mental health challenges, and creates a supportive and considerate friendly environment.
Happiness is a fundamental aspect of spiritual fulfilment that is pursued by all. To achieve this goal, positive influence must be exerted comprehensively from individuals to society to the nation. I launched the event of An Era of Conscience in 2014, proposing the idea that "When everyone is guided by conscience, the world will be peaceful; when everyone is happy, every household will be blessed!" We realize that each individual has a responsibility to contribute to the happiness of the world. Through conscience education and self-reflection, we cultivate tolerance, critical thinking, and empathy, respecting and understanding different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. We aim to peacefully resolve conflicts and societal issues of all kinds. When countries uphold the value of equality of human rights, share experiences and collaborate to address common challenges, we will resolve conflicts and world crises with love and conscience, collectively building a fairer, more inclusive, and happier world.
In the 2023 World Happiness Report, it was pointed out that public interest in happiness and well-being has grown in recent years, and an increasing number of governments are utilizing six key factors, including GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom of choices, social support, generosity, and belief in the trustworthiness and effectiveness of government, to measure the level of happiness, so as to shape public policies at the national level. On individual level, the self-assessment of happiness indicators includes material conditions, spiritual and physical well-being, personal virtues, and a strong sense of civic consciousness, among others. Various forms of daily kindness, such as assisting those in need, donating to charity, and engaging in volunteer service, have been scientifically proven to improve the subjective well-being of actors.
Looking forward, to realize the principles laid out in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains a core priority for the next 10 years. In today's turbulence, when facing various conflicts and challenges, we should harness the power of goodness within our hearts, which is our conscience. When people awaken their conscience, gain the courage to follow their conscience, treat others with love, and make decisions that benefit both themselves and others. When more and more people do good deeds with conscience, we will be able to transcend barriers of nationality, race, culture, and religion, and foster energies of integration, cohesion, and progress. This realization paves the way for global cooperation and understanding, leading to genuine prosperity, peace, and advancement.
Furthermore, in an era where AI applications are becoming increasingly widespread, artificial intelligence technology can provide more effective education and skills training for development. Through adaptive learning systems, virtual teaching assistants, and online learning platforms, people can more easily access knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing their confidence and sense of happiness. Upholding conscience in the development of artificial intelligence will become one of the most powerful tools to achieve global happiness goals, helping to address societal issues, improve quality of life, and promote overall development and happiness of humanity.
A happy society relies on every world citizen’s collaboration and courage. Through knowledge exchange, resource sharing, cross-border cooperation, and cultural exchange, we will be able to collectively improve the level of happiness and create greater well-being for all. Let us face life's challenges with joy and courage, find happiness in body, mind, and spirit, and to share own practices of creating happiness. By practicing conscience and kindness and influencing those around us, we will be able to gain perpetuating energy of goodness and collectively build a more peaceful world where everyone is happier.
Thank you all!