Yesterday–March 20- marked the twelfth anniversary of the International Day of Happiness. A United Nations Resolution was passed at its 118th plenary meeting on June 28, 2012, declaring March 20th of each year to be the holiday. As one might guess, the Kingdom of Bhutan promoted the resolution, which has a Gross National Happiness Index. The resolution itself explains why happiness is essential:
Recalling its resolution 65/309 of 19 July 2011, which invites Member States to pursue the elaboration of additional measures that better capture the importance of guiding their public policies,
Conscious that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal,
Recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives,
Recognizing also the need for a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness, and the well-being of all peoples,
1. Decides to proclaim 20 March the International Day of Happiness;
2. Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness-raising activities;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, and civil society organizations for appropriate observance.C
Unfortunately, the United States has slipped to 24th (out of 146 nations). Finland is ranked No. 1, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, and Mexico at No. 10.
This year’s report “focuses on the impact of caring and sharing on people’s happiness. (Executive Summary at p.1.). The key findings include the following:
First, people are much too pessimistic about the benevolence of others. For example, when wallets were dropped in the street by researchers, the proportion of returned wallets was far higher than people expected. This is hugely encouraging.
Second, our wellbeing depends on our perceptions of others’ benevolence, as well as their actual benevolence. Since we underestimate the kindness of others, our wellbeing can be improved by receiving information about their true benevolence (see Chapter 5).
Third, when society is more benevolent, the people who benefit most are those who are least happy. As a result, happiness is more equally distributed in countries with higher levels of expected benevolence (see Chapter 2).
Finally, benevolence increased during COVID-19 in every region of the world. People needed more help and others responded. This ‘benevolence bump’ has been sustained since then. Despite a fall from 2023 to 2024, benevolent acts are still about 10% above their pre-pandemic levels (see Chapter 2). (Id. a 3-4)
The study found that eating alone is not good for one’s well-being. “People who eat frequently with others are a lot happier” (Id. at 4.) This is one reason well-being is declining in the United States (Id.). Data showed that in the United States, in 2023, roughly 25% of Americans reported eating all of their meals alone the previous day. His was an increase of 53% since 2003. (Id. at 9.) Sharing meals helps us to connect with others. (Id.)This is also why many mediators suggest that the parties share a meal during a break during the mediation. It will lighten the mood and bring positivity into the room.
The study also found that benevolent acts and expected kindness both affect individual happiness levels (Id. at 7.) More importantly, expected and actual kindness both reduce inequality of well-being. (Id.) As one might expect, “Both helpers and recipients experience greater happiness from caring and sharing when they do so in the context of caring connections, choice, and clear positive impact.” (Id.)
The study also found that “… many young adults underestimate their peers’ empathy, leading them to avoid connecting with others and missing out on opportunities for meaningful relationships.” (Id. at 12.)
Chapter 7 contains some crucial findings. It notes that “life satisfaction and trust play a much greater role in shaping values and voting behavior than traditional ideologies or class struggle.” (Id. at 14.) And it is this decline in happiness and social trust explains why there is so much polarization in Europe and the United States. ( Id.) This lack of trust in others leads to unhappiness and the extremes of polarizations we are witnessing. (Id.)
I found this report valuable because mediation is nothing more than a microcosm of society at large. As the study indicates, “belief in the kindness of others, as well as actively caring about and sharing with others, has strong effects on happiness” (See:https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2025-world-happiness-report-us-lowest-ranking/ ). Parties who attend mediation in a positive, collaborative mood are more likely to settle.
In sum, and not surprisingly, our view of life and our degree of happiness will greatly affect whether a dispute is resolved.
… Just something to think about.
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