It is observed in many countries, including Canada, Australia, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

In 2012 in Australia, Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales, hosted an event for the first time at Government House to celebrate World Kindness Day and accepted a Cool To Be Kind Award from year 3 & 4 students.

Events include THE BIG HUG, handing out Kindness Cards, Global Flashmob, which was coordinated by Orly Wahba from the US and was held in 15 countries and 33 cities with its images of the event making the big screens in New York City.

Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender and location.

According to Gulf News, "it is a day that encourages individuals to overlook boundaries, race and religion.