Smiley face owner Franklin Loufrani is globally recognised today as the creator of Smiley, an iconic logo of peace, hope and positivity. Joining his father in the Smiley Company, Nicolas Loufrani elevated the concept to new heights, creating an entire visual language based on his father’s iconic Smiley logo, with each new addition portraying a different emotion.
Over the years, Smiley has been associated with a wide range of different causes and movements, spreading positivity though smiles to make the world happier and kinder. Over the course of the past five decades, the Smiley Company’s partnerships, collaborations and experiences have been supported by its founding ‘Take the Time to Smile’ ethos, recognising that nothing is more inspiring and universal than a smile.
Created to serve as a platform for change, Smiley Movement inspires optimism, helping charities to better engage with the public and driving positive change in the world. Smiley Movement shares stories about people who go above and beyond, pushing boundaries to make the world a better place to live. From helping to reduce inequality to protecting the environment, Smiley Movement’s objectives align strongly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Everything the Smiley Company produces and strives for matches the UN Sustainability Goals, which serve as a blueprint for a happier, healthier, more equitable and sustainable future. Established in 2015 by the UN General Assembly, it was originally anticipated that all Sustainability Goals would be achieved by 2030. As that date draws closer, the Smiley Company offers a platform for people, organisations and businesses reaching for these shared priorities.
The UN Sustainability Goals broadly fall into four categories: wellbeing, culture, equality and planet. Wellbeing goals include good health and wellbeing, and clean water and sanitation. Cultural goals include decent work and economic growth; industry and infrastructure; quality education; and peace, justice and strong institution. Equality goals include gender equality, reduced inequalities, no poverty and zero hunger. Planetary goals include life below water, life on land, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and affordable and clean energy.
Having continually sought to spread the message of the UN Sustainability Goals, the Smiley Company recently joined forces with the British performer Rita Ora, who collaborated on the ‘Choose Love x Smiley’ campaign. Partnering with a host of celebrities to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the singer took to TikTok, participating in the ‘For Our Family Human’ series, which was launched to improve awareness about this fundamental international treaty that enshrines the freedoms and rights of all human beings. Other participants including Spice Girl Melanie C, Olivia Coleman, Jude Law and Dame Judi Dench. Rita Ora recited Article 28, which stipulates the declaration should be recognised across every nation and border, enshrining the right of all to social and international order.
The first instalment of ‘For our Family Human’ was presented by the British actress Nazanin Boniadi on 28th October 2024. The series of shorts has since gone viral, attracting more than 200 million views to date, with audiences tuning in to watch an array of high-profile supporters narrate a modernised version of the original Articles.
Scottish singer-songwriter and political activist Annie Lennox has also teamed up with the Smiley Company on its ‘For Our Family Human’ and ‘Choose Love’ campaigns. She provided a video for Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stipulates that no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, degrading and inhuman punishment or treatment. Other famous artists who collaborated on the film series include singer Rick Astley; actor and writer Marc Menchaca; actor Jason Flemyng; and American actress Bianca Lawson. The emotive rhyming couplets were written by the award-winning director Dan Cadan, presenting a modern take on the original treaty.