Promoting Happiness As A Leadership Priority: Insights From The Union Association For Human Rights

The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) has highlighted the UAE's commitment to fostering social happiness as a fundamental human right. The country ranks 22nd globally and second in the Arab world in the 2024 World Happiness Report, showcasing its dedication to enhancing happiness through various policies and services.

The UAE's leadership has prioritised initiatives like the National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing. This programme includes the "Friends of Happiness Platform," which supports government efforts to promote positivity, and the "Guide to Happiness and Wellbeing Program in the Workplace," aimed at creating a thriving work environment.

Workplace happiness is a significant focus for the UAE government. Awards such as the Best Positive Employee Award and "Happiness in the Workplace" awards recognise organisations excelling in employee well-being across sectors. Additionally, the virtual Wellbeing Academy offers training courses to integrate well-being concepts into public policies.

The Emirates Centre for Happiness Research, a first in the Middle East, is dedicated to measuring happiness indicators. The National Happiness and Positivity Charter aims to create a productive work environment nationwide. The National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 outlines 14 pillars, nine objectives, and 90 initiatives to position the UAE among the world's happiest nations.

The UAE has signed agreements with international universities to implement specialised programmes focused on societal happiness. In 2017, its Permanent Mission to the United Nations partnered with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network to launch the Global Happiness Council, comprising six sub-councils focused on health, education, workplace well-being, personal happiness, happy cities, and measuring happiness in societies.

The introduction of the National Policy for Digital Wellbeing aims to foster a positive digital society aligned with UAE Centennial 2071 goals. The establishment of a Ministry of Happiness in 2016 marked a pioneering step. Since then, 60 Chief Happiness and Positivity Officers have been trained at federal and local levels.

Global Initiatives

The Global Happiness Coalition was launched in 2018 with ministers from six countries: UAE, Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia. This initiative followed momentum from the Global Dialogue for Happiness held before the sixth World Government Summit.

Happiness is seen as an indicator of societal progress by UAHR. It reflects high-quality community services and rights like development, justice, equality, and non-discrimination. The Customer Happiness Formula was introduced to embed these concepts into legislative improvements for societal well-being.

The UAE's commitment extends beyond national borders with agreements signed with leading international universities to advance societal happiness through specialised programmes. These efforts underscore its dedication to becoming one of the world's happiest nations by implementing comprehensive strategies that enhance quality of life across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM