Small Smurfs Big Goals

What is the International Day of Happiness?

It’s a day to be happy, of course! Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of human beings around the world. In fact, the UN has launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals that seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that will lead to the well-being and happiness of all people.

The UN invites every person of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to celebrate the International Day of Happiness each year on 20 March.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are part of a global plan of action adopted by the 193 Member States of the United Nations in 2015 to eliminate poverty, end gender discrimination and build a sustainable world by the year 2030. These 17 interlinked goals protect our people and our planet, so that everyone, no matter where they live, can live their happiest lives.

What is the International Day of Happiness?

Good question.

Sure, Smurfs like eating big Smurfberry pies and singing happy songs, but it’s only fun when everyone in Smurf Village has enough to eat and has no worries. That’s why when the Smurfs heard that the UN has a plan to protect all people, plus our planet, they had to be a part of it.

Now the Smurfs are teaming up with the UN, UNICEF and the UN Foundation to show the world beyond Smurf Village how happy it can be if we all take action to achieve these goals. Smurfs may be only three apples tall, but they can still make a big difference in making our world a happier place. To find out more about how you can help, check out the UN’s Lazy Person’s Guide to Changing the World

But do my actions even matter?

You bet your Smurfberries! It doesn’t matter how small or big you are - everyone is part of the solution. Fortunately, there are some super easy things we can all do that, if we all do it, will make a big difference.

Learn more about these easy things you can do, and about all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, at www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment.