The World Kindness Movement’s “Declaration of Support for a Kinder World” has been signed by representatives of nine countries.
It's World Kindness Day!
How did the international day of good deeds begin, and how can you celebrate it? Here's what to know.
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In 2025, World Kindness Day is Thursday, Nov. 13.
World Kindness Day was first officially celebrated on Nov. 13, 1998 — but it had formed the year prior, at a conference in Tokyo, Japan.
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The World Kindness Movement was established in a 1997 conference, which welcomed "like-minded kindness organizations from around the world." The non-governmental organization (NGO), which claims no political or religious affiliations, officially launched World Kindness Day in Singapore in 2000. This year marks its 25th anniversary.
"The mission of the World Kindness Movement (WKM) is to inspire individuals and connect nations to create a kinder world," the site says. "The WKM encourages and supports individuals, communities, cities and nations to establish independent kindness [organizations] to join the World Kindness Movement to see a kinder world [realized] in our lifetime."
The movement's objectives as listed on its site are as follows:
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There are many ways for people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate World Kindness Day, including through random acts of kindness. The World Kindness Movement lists the following general activities:
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"Just imagine if each of us does one act of kindness each day, what a beautiful place the world would be," a video by the World Kindness Movement suggests. "Help the ones in need, and reach out to those who have not been doing well. Be the change you want to see in society, and contribute to making this world a better place for everyone."
Alexis Simmerman has been a trending reporter for the Austin American-Statesman since January 2024. She is a 2023 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism and has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri.
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