The purpose of celebrating ‘World Meditation Day’ is to help everyone benefit from a higher level of physical and mental health.
To commemorate the first International Day of Meditation, a special event was organized on Friday, 20 December (2024) at the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters, where the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations has a major contribution.
Addressing the event, Philemon Young, President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, said the World Meditation Day will promote the benefits of this ancient practice and its inherent values in everyday life.
“When we meditate, we quiet our minds, focus our thoughts, and awaken compassion and respect. “On a personal level, the impact of this transformative change is felt far and wide, inspiring harmony in our families, our communities and beyond.”
According to the head of the UN General Assembly, it forms the basis of peace within us and around us.
The General Assembly passed a resolution on 21 December 2024 to celebrate World Meditation Day on 6 December.
On this occasion, the President of the General Assembly Philemon Young expressed his gratitude to Andorra, India, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Nepal and Sri Lanka, under whose leadership the proposal to declare this International Day was brought to the United Nations General Assembly.
The General Assembly also recognized the relationship between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being.
Good health-good living
The growing contribution of meditation and mindfulness in improving and maintaining mental health is becoming widely recognized. Good mental health is a basic human right and is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places health and well-being at the center of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, namely – good health and well-being.
The goal also highlights the importance of mental health, universal health coverage and eliminating health disparities in building resilient and inclusive societies.