How did the UN celebrate the first World Meditation Day?

PreviousWhat is the significance of December 21st in relation to World Meditation Day?NextWhat are the diverse forms and applications of meditation worldwide?

Last updated 5 months ago

How did the UN celebrate the first World Meditation Day?

The United Nations (UN) celebrated the first World Meditation Day on December 21, 2024, with various events and initiatives aimed at highlighting the benefits of meditation for individual and global well-being. The UN General Assembly declared December 21st as World Meditation Day, a date that coincides with the winter solstice and holds significance in various cultures. The resolution establishing the day recognized meditation's contribution to health and well-being and its universality.

Here's how the UN and its partners celebrated the first World Meditation Day:

Commemorative Event at the United Nations: The UN hosted a commemorative event at its headquarters in New York, featuring a keynote address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader and advocate for meditation. The theme of this event was "Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony". Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also led a live global meditation.

Global Livestream Event: A worldwide livestream event, titled “World Meditates with Gurudev,” was hosted by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, uniting millions in meditation. This event was timed to coincide with the winter solstice, a period considered auspicious for reflection and renewal.
Event at the Trusteeship Council Chamber: The Permanent Mission of India hosted an event in the Trusteeship Council Chamber with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to mark the first World Meditation Day.
Recognition of Meditation's Benefits: The UN emphasized the transformative benefits of meditation for both mental and physical health. The day also aimed to recognize meditation's power to foster peace and unity. The UN highlighted that meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus and emotional balance, alleviate anxiety and depression, and enhance sleep quality.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The UN stressed the alignment of meditation with the SDGs, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on "Good Health and Well-Being". It was noted that meditation promotes mental and physical health and contributes to building resilient and inclusive societies.
Emphasis on Inner Peace: The theme for World Meditation Day 2024 was "Inner Peace, Global Harmony". The UN emphasized how inner peace can be an answer to the challenges of the modern world.
Promotion of Mindfulness: The UN promoted mindfulness meditation as a tool for stress reduction and overall well-being. The UN provided resources including guided meditation and yoga sessions, to encourage the practice.
Meditation Room at UN Headquarters: The UN highlighted the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York, which was established in 1952 as a symbol of the importance of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony.

Other initiatives and activities around the world for the first World Meditation Day included:

Art of Living Foundation Programs: The Art of Living Foundation hosted a series of special programs to unite communities in collective meditation and celebration, including on-site live meditation sessions and a live-streamed session with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
World Record Attempt: A wellness startup called Habuild attempted to set a world record for the largest virtual meditation session, aiming to bring together 2.5-3 lakh people.
Community Events: Meditation events were held around the world, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds both virtually and in person.
Online and In-Person Meditation Sessions: Various groups and organizations offered meditation workshops, courses, and sessions to help people deepen their practice and learn new techniques.
Social Media Campaign: People were encouraged to share their meditation experiences using the hashtag #WorldMeditationDay to inspire others to join the global meditation movement.

The UN's celebration of the first World Meditation Day aimed to raise awareness of the benefits of meditation and to promote its practice as a means of achieving inner peace and global harmony.

PreviousWhat is the significance of December 21st in relation to World Meditation Day?NextWhat are the diverse forms and applications of meditation worldwide?

Last updated 5 months ago

Here's how the UN and its partners celebrated the first World Meditation Day:

Commemorative Event at the United Nations: The UN hosted a commemorative event at its headquarters in New York, featuring a keynote address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader and advocate for meditation. The theme of this event was "Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony". Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also led a live global meditation.

Global Livestream Event: A worldwide livestream event, titled “World Meditates with Gurudev,” was hosted by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, uniting millions in meditation. This event was timed to coincide with the winter solstice, a period considered auspicious for reflection and renewal.
Event at the Trusteeship Council Chamber: The Permanent Mission of India hosted an event in the Trusteeship Council Chamber with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to mark the first World Meditation Day.
Recognition of Meditation's Benefits: The UN emphasized the transformative benefits of meditation for both mental and physical health. The day also aimed to recognize meditation's power to foster peace and unity. The UN highlighted that meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus and emotional balance, alleviate anxiety and depression, and enhance sleep quality.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The UN stressed the alignment of meditation with the SDGs, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on "Good Health and Well-Being". It was noted that meditation promotes mental and physical health and contributes to building resilient and inclusive societies.
Emphasis on Inner Peace: The theme for World Meditation Day 2024 was "Inner Peace, Global Harmony". The UN emphasized how inner peace can be an answer to the challenges of the modern world.
Promotion of Mindfulness: The UN promoted mindfulness meditation as a tool for stress reduction and overall well-being. The UN provided resources including guided meditation and yoga sessions, to encourage the practice.
Meditation Room at UN Headquarters: The UN highlighted the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York, which was established in 1952 as a symbol of the importance of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony.

Other initiatives and activities around the world for the first World Meditation Day included:

Art of Living Foundation Programs: The Art of Living Foundation hosted a series of special programs to unite communities in collective meditation and celebration, including on-site live meditation sessions and a live-streamed session with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
World Record Attempt: A wellness startup called Habuild attempted to set a world record for the largest virtual meditation session, aiming to bring together 2.5-3 lakh people.
Community Events: Meditation events were held around the world, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds both virtually and in person.
Online and In-Person Meditation Sessions: Various groups and organizations offered meditation workshops, courses, and sessions to help people deepen their practice and learn new techniques.
Social Media Campaign: People were encouraged to share their meditation experiences using the hashtag #WorldMeditationDay to inspire others to join the global meditation movement.

The UN's celebration of the first World Meditation Day aimed to raise awareness of the benefits of meditation and to promote its practice as a means of achieving inner peace and global harmony.