The United Nations observed the second annual World Meditation Day on Friday, December 20, 2025, with a focus on promoting inner peace and global harmony. The Permanent Mission of India, in collaboration with Andorra, Mexico, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, hosted a high-level event at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event, titled "Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony", brought together diplomats, UN officials, spiritual leaders, and yoga experts to highlight the role of meditation in addressing global challenges and fostering well-being.
The keynote address was delivered by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual leader and founder of The Art of Living, who led a guided meditation session. Drawing upon ancient Indian wisdom, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized the importance of inner calm and clarity for leadership, conflict resolution, and global cooperation, particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty. He shared the lessons of Lord Krishna to Arjuna, stating that humans are in a warfield and meditation can bring peace. He gave the example of meditating soldiers in Ukraine finding peace amidst despair.
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, noted that the General Assembly resolution designating December 21 as World Meditation Day marks a significant milestone, recognizing meditation's ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. He highlighted India's long tradition of meditation, tracing its roots back 5,000 years to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra and the concept of Dhyana. Harish emphasized India's commitment to sharing its heritage and wisdom with the world, embodying the spirit of "Vasudeva Kutumbakam," which means "the whole world is one family".
Other speakers, including representatives from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Andorra and Mexico, shared their perspectives on the significance of meditation. Yogmata Keiko Aikawa and Sister BK Gayatri from the Brahma Kumaris organization shared their experiences promoting meditation globally, while LP Bhanu Sharma, co-founder of Nepal's Jeevan Vigyan Foundation, discussed efforts to provide practical education in yoga and meditation.
The UN officially declared World Meditation Day on December 6, 2024, through Resolution A/RES/79/137, recognizing meditation as a practice that promotes well-being, peace, and harmony. The resolution was adopted unanimously. The World Meditation Day is observed annually on December 21. The designation of World Meditation Day reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and well-being in addressing global challenges. International studies and national surveys in India indicate rising levels of stress and anxiety, highlighting the need for accessible approaches to mental health.
To further amplify the message of peace and well-being, New York's Times Square displayed billboards proclaiming "World Meditates with Gurudev". Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is scheduled to lead a global meditation on December 21, inviting participants from around the world to join via a live broadcast on his YouTube channel. Europe's first World Meditation Day celebration will be hosted at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Gurudev also conducted a session in Geneva on December 17, inviting diplomats, officials, and the public to experience collective meditation. As participation expands through digital platforms and local gatherings, World Meditation Day is becoming a sustained global observance.
