Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to deliver keynote address at United Nations on World Meditation Day

Global spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will give a keynote address at the United Nations on World Meditation Day on December 21.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will also guide a live World Meditation on Saturday, following the unanimous adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution declaring December 21 as the World Meditation Day. 

The historic event establishes an annual global celebration of meditation, recognizing its transformative benefits for mental and physical health, as well as its power to foster peace and unity.

Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York is marking the first-ever World Meditation Day at the United Nations headquarters on December 20, 2024. The commemorative event at the United Nations will feature a keynote address by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. 

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This momentous occasion, themed ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony,’ would mark the First World Meditation Day.

“The recognition of meditation by the United Nations is a profound step forward. Meditation nurtures the soul, calms the mind, and offers a solution to modern challenges,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will address global dignitaries, including senior UN leaders, diplomats, and international representatives, underscoring meditation’s critical role in fostering peace and unity. He will host a worldwide live stream, uniting millions in meditation to mark the Winter Solstice—an auspicious time for reflection and renewal on December 21.

Why does World Meditation Day matter?

The unanimous adoption of ‘World Meditation Day’ by the UN General Assembly is a bold acknowledgement of meditation’s capacity to address the challenges of modern life from rising stress and violence to the erosion of trust and connection in society. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has dedicated 43 years to spreading the benefits of meditation across 180 countries, believes it is the most effective tool to cultivate mental clarity, emotional resilience, and societal harmony.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s belief in the transformative power of meditation is evident in his peace-building efforts across the globe. He has mediated and progressed peace negotiations in conflict-stricken regions such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited with playing a pivotal role in ending the 52-year-long conflict between the FARC and the Colombian government.

In India, he made a significant contribution to mediating the sensitive 500-year-old Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir conflict. His approach to fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse communities highlighted how meditation cultivates clarity, compassion, and resilience in even the most divisive situations.