Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Philemon Yang,

on the occasion of the 

first World Meditation Day Event

Friday, 20 December 2024

[As Delivered]

 

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

It is indeed a pleasure to address you on this day, which happens to be the first World Meditation Day.

Let me begin by recognizing the core group of countries – Andorra, India, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Nepal, and Sri Lanka – for their able leadership in spearheading the General Assembly resolution to proclaim this International Day.

I congratulate the UN membership for adopting this important resolution.

World Meditation Day brings to light the benefits of this ancient practice and its inherent value in our daily lives.

And it will hopefully lead to the expansion of its use as a tool for our collective wellbeing.

Coming six months after the International Day of Yoga, on 21st June, it highlights the relationship between the summer and winter solstices – simulating the connection between these two practices and the cultivation of mindfulness and mental well-being.

Indeed, meditation transcends borders, faiths, traditions and time, offering each of us the opportunity to pause, to listen and to connect with our inner selves.

In its silence, meditation speaks a universal truth: that we are all human, all seeking balance, and all striving for a better understanding of our inner self and world in which we live.

When we meditate, we quiet our minds, centre our thoughts and cultivate compassion and respect.

This personal transformation has a ripple effect, inspiring harmony in our families, our communities and beyond.

It effectively lays the foundation for peace in ourselves and towards our surroundings.

And I can say this with a lot of pride because our world now needs peace more than ever before. The tensions in the world require that we embrace peace and anything that brings peace.

As I conclude, I express my sincere thanks to the Permanent Mission of India for organizing this truly unique event, and to the Art of Living Foundation for leading us through the practice of meditation today.

Let us build on the practice we have shared together to bring about a safer, more just and equitable future for everyone, everywhere.

I thank you.

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Media Contacts

Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: + 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org

Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations M: +1 917 3614990, mariam.shaikh@un.org