Meditation took center stage at the United Nations Headquarters on 19 December 2025 with the event “Meditation for Global Peace & Harmony,” marking the 2nd World Meditation Day. Recently proclaimed by the UN General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/79/137, World Meditation Day is observed annually on 21 December, following the leadership of a core group of countries including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Andorra, and Liechtenstein. Held ahead of the official day, the UNHQ gathering brought together Member States, experts, and practitioners to reflect on meditation’s role in fostering inner balance and international unity during a time of growing global tensions.
In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, constant information flow, and rising mental health challenges, meditation offers a vital counterbalance. Rooted in ancient religious, yogic, and secular traditions, meditation is now widely recognized as a holistic practice supporting mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Scientific research continues to validate its benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing emotional regulation and cognitive functioning. Speaking at the event, Indian spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted meditation’s growing acceptance, noting its adoption by universities and hospitals worldwide, and emphasizing the power of breath and presence to calm the mind and restore emotional balance.
Beyond individual well-being, meditation holds profound significance for collective peace. As conflicts, climate crises, and social divisions challenge the global community, World Meditation Day serves as a reminder that sustainable peace begins within. The United Nations itself reflects this philosophy through its Meditation Room, established in 1952 as a space for silence and introspection amid diplomacy and debate. By nurturing mindfulness and compassion, meditation aligns closely with the UN’s commitment to Good Health and Well-Being under the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2nd World Meditation Day reaffirms a shared responsibility to focus on what unites humanity, using inner transformation as a foundation for global harmony, resilience, and lasting peace.
Links
Calming the mind and promoting global peace on World Meditation Day – 19 December 2025
World Meditation Day – United Nations
International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN
Wellbeing tips: Guided meditation and yoga
