Hanoi, March 20 -- Investing in people and culture is key to the happiness of the Vietnamese people, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Baker said as the country joins the global celebration of the International Day of Happiness (March 20).

Vietnam has been widely recognised for its remarkable progress in improving the well-being and happiness of its people, Baker said in an interview to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion.

This reflects an approach to development that goes beyond economic growth alone, placing strong emphasis on sustainable and holistic human development, he said.

Vietnam's leaders do not view the country merely as an abstract entity, but through the lives and well-being of its people.

"In the two years th...