Secretary-General, in Message for International Happiness Day, Urges Efforts to Achieve Universal Peace, Prosperity, Human Rights

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for International Happiness Day, observed on 20 March:

I wish everyone around the world a very happy International Day of Happiness.

The pursuit of happiness is serious business.  Happiness for the entire human family is one of the main goals of the United Nations.  Peace, prosperity, lives of dignity 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 pleasure of peace.  We want people and planet alike to be blessed with sustainable development, and to be spared the catastrophic impacts of climate change.

Let us give thanks for what makes us happy.  And let us dedicate our efforts to filling our world with happiness.

Thank you.