UN marks second ‘World Meditation Day’, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar leads global call for peace and wellbeing

The United Nations Headquarters witnessed a rare convergence of diplomacy and ancient spiritual practice as member countries and UN agencies came together to observe the second World Meditation Day.

The event, titled ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony’, focused on the role of meditation in addressing contemporary global challenges ranging from mental health concerns to social and political tensions.

Permanent Representatives and diplomats from India, Sri Lanka, Andorra, Mexico, Nepal, along with officials from various UN agencies, participated in the programme. The observance highlighted how contemplative practices, rooted in ancient traditions, are increasingly finding space in modern governance and policy discussions.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Delivers Keynote, Leads Meditation

Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar delivered the keynote address at the event and later guided delegates through a 20-minute meditation session. His address centred on the relevance of inner calm and clarity for leadership, conflict resolution and global cooperation, particularly at a time marked by overlapping crises and heightened uncertainty.

Diplomats Highlight Practical Impact Of Meditation

Several diplomats shared experiences from their respective countries on integrating meditation into public life. Andorra’s Ambassador Joan Forner Rovira spoke about incorporating meditation into the national education system, citing observed improvements in students’ focus and emotional balance.

Mexico’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Alicia Guadalupe Buenrostro Massieu, stressed that inner peace plays a foundational role in building durable global harmony.

Nepal’s Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa traced meditation’s civilisational roots in the Himalayan region and referred to its relevance in responding to interconnected global challenges, including climate stress and the spread of misinformation.

Other speakers at the event included representatives from academic institutions and spiritual organisations, such as Dr Robert Schneider, Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, BK Mohini Panjabi, Mr L P Bhanu Sharma, Dr Lasantha Chandana Goonetilleke and Dr John Hagelin.

The UN event comes ahead of World Meditation Day on December 21, which is set to be observed globally.

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As part of the lead-up, billboards in New York’s Times Square have displayed messages announcing “World Meditates with Gurudev.” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is scheduled to lead the global meditation on the day through a live broadcast on his official YouTube channel, with participants expected to join from India and multiple countries worldwide.