PURPOSES: According to archaeologists, meditation dates back to 5,000 BCE, and the practice itself has ties in ancient Egypt and China, Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Estimates suggest that between 200 and 500 million people practice meditation worldwide. Meditation can help reduce stress, blood pressure and anxiety, promote emotional health, enhance self-awareness and improve sleep. The adoption of the Resolution A/79/L.27 declaring the day of December 21st as World Meditation Day by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 6 December 2024 was guided by India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico and Andorra which was the members of the core group. The declaration of World Meditation Day comes at a time, when various regions of the world are witnessing conflicts and growing tensions. Meditation is rooted in ancient practices and stands out as an effective tool to achieve inner transformation and peace in the modern day.
FORUM: “Meditation for Global Peace & Harmony.” World Meditation Day 2024. Let’s focus on the essential role of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony. In an era characterized by unprecedented technological development and information flows, humanity finds itself increasingly distant from inner peace and mental well-being. Practice of meditation is a holistic approach to mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness. At its core, it represents a deliberate technique to enable practitioners to achieve a mentally harmonious and emotionally calm state of being. In today's high-stress environment, where anxiety, and mental health challenges have become pervasive, meditation offers a crucial sanctuary of inner calm and introspection. Scientifically validated research demonstrates its profound impact on neuroplasticity, stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall cognitive functioning. By fostering inner peace through meditation, individuals contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable world for current and future generations. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Meditation, #WorldMeditationDay, #21December.
EVENTS: On Saturday, December 21st; At the United Nations, meditation holds a special place, exemplified by the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York. At UNESCO HQ at the Meditation Space in Paris. On Friday 20 December 2024, from 16:00 - 17:30 pm. EST at the United Nations Trusteeship Council, The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations will held an event to celebrate the first World Meditation Day. It is in this context that the representative of the Permanent Mission proposes to host an afternoon with members of the core group, the wider UN and diplomatic corps, and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the globally recognized Indian spiritual leader, humanitarian champion, and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, to mark the 1st Day observance. Read the concept note and watch the livestream!
PUBLICATIONS: You are invited to read: (1) Wellbeing tips: Guided meditation and yoga; (2) Unlocking your Emotions to Achieve the SDGs: Mindfulness & Meditation in Government; (3) Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030: more active people for a healthier world.
PODCASTS: Meditation and its benefits. Listen to the audio-podcasts?
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
We celebrate the World Meditation Day to highlight the importance of nurturing human consciousness to address these issues and create harmony within ourselves and our communities.
Meditation offers a powerful means to cultivate peace, unity, and compassion.
Meditation is increasingly recognized for its contributions to mental health — a fundamental human right — and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasize health and well-being as central to achieving sustainable development. Goal 3, "Good Health and Well-Being," aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, addressing key challenges such as maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and access to essential medicines and vaccines. This target also aims to highlight the importance of mental health, universal health coverage, and the reduction of health inequities to build resilient and inclusive societies.
The World Meditation Day is organized by the United Nations Trusteeship Council; The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations; The Art of Living Foundation; The World Health Organization; The UNESCO. With the participation the UN Staff members, UN personnels. Stakeholders attending the celebration will include, but are not limited to, Member States; international organizations; regional organizations; local authorities; civil society, including faith-based organizations; academics and other experts; the private sector; media; host community members and individuals.