International Day of Happiness
Conscience, Joy, and Hope: A Trio of Happiness
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
March 20, 2026
Distinguished guests, dear friends from around the world, ladies and gentlemen, good day!
The International Day of Happiness was initiated by Bhutan, a country that recognized the value of national happiness, promoting Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product. In 2012, the United Nations proclaimed March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of people around the world.
Today, in a world marked by profound geopolitical shifts and increasingly abnormal climate conditions, feelings of fear and uncertainty often arise in people’s hearts. As we face a series of hardships and challenges, the longing for a peaceful and stable world has never been stronger. The pursuit of safety and survival has become the greatest happiness and aspiration of people everywhere. Governance rooted in transparency and integrity is essential. A decision guided by goodwill will create opportunities for sustainability, while an action fueled by ill intent will inevitably distance humanity from happiness. We therefore earnestly call upon leaders from all sectors to unite and work together for the well-being of all people.
By awakening the power of goodness within through conscience, people can put goodness into action and experience that helping others is the source of true happiness. When conscience is awakened, people develop integrity and courage, enabling them to follow their conscience in their respective roles, treat others with love, and make the right decisions that benefit both themselves and others. When more people use their innate goodness to carry out acts of kindness, barriers of nationality, race, culture, and religion can be transcended, generating positive energy that fosters harmony, unity, and progress.
The true essence of happiness lies in the choices we make by following the virtues within our hearts. Conscience, joy, and hope guide us to truly understand that you and I are part of one shared community of life. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, we shall unite and cooperate, atone for our mistakes with kindness, and create collective virtue through conscience. By doing so, we believe that darkness will eventually fade and light will once again dawn. True happiness arises from sharing love and caring for others, through which we discover gratitude and fulfillment. Conscience allows us to cherish goodness; joy enables ordinary life to shine; and hope drives us to remain resilient in adversity and courageously embrace tomorrow. Happiness is not only individual well-being but also a positive force for actively creating peace and sustainability in society, nations, and the world. When each person learns to seek and cultivate their own happiness, it spreads like the butterfly effect, gradually influencing those around them and ultimately forming a society filled with love, inclusion, and mutual support.
As we observe this International Day of Happiness, let us put our conscience into practice and join together in prayer, hoping that humanity may return to a path of happiness. May the flames of war cease, may hearts find peace, and may love dissolve hatred. May global cooperation and mutual understanding be realized soon, bringing about a peaceful and sustainable future.
Thank you all!