International Day of Yoga 2026; June 21st.

FORUM: ''Yoga for Healthy Ageing.'' International Day of Yoga 2026. This year marks the 12th International Day of Yoga with the theme “ Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, which emphasizes the importance of Yoga for all ages. Yoga can be a valuable practice for healthy aging because it supports many of the abilities that help people stay active, independent, and engaged as they grow older. By combining gentle movement, stretching, breathing exercises, and mindfulness, yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility, while also supporting mental well-being and stress management. Because yoga can be adapted to different fitness levels and health conditions, it offers an accessible way for many older adults to maintain their physical and emotional health. These benefits support several goals of the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), including promoting independence, reducing fall risk, enhancing quality of life, and encouraging person-centered approaches to health and well-being. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Yogaforhealthyageing, #Yoga, #21June, #YogaDay, #HealthyAgeing, #IDY2026   .

EVENT: On June 18th, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. (EDT), the 12th International Yoga Day event was held at the UN Headquarters in  New York. Organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, the event took place in the North Lawn Area of UNHQ. Yoga can promote mindfulness and relaxation during times of difficulty and stress. It also supports physical well-being at all stages of life. Register to participate!

At The UN Office at Nairobi (UNON) in conjunction with The High Commission of India in Nairobi, Kenya, we are organizing a Chair Yoga event in observance of the International Day of Yoga 2026.

The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on 21 June. The Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014 through resolution 69/131, recognizing the universal appeal of yoga and its value as a holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word "yoga" derives from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today, yoga is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. This Chair Yoga session will provide an accessible and inclusive way to mark the International Day of Yoga, allowing participants of different ages and physical abilities to take part in a gentle form of yoga. The event highlights yoga's contribution to health, well-being, mindfulness and harmony. Related Sites and Documents: website and Programme.

International Day of Non-Violence 2025; October 2nd.

FORUM: "156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi." International Day of Non-Violence 2025.  Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #2october, #NonViolenceDay, #Ghandhi.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on International Day of Non-Violence 2025; October 2nd.

On this International Day of Non-Violence, we honour the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, and his unwavering commitment to peace, truth and dignity for all.

Gandhi not only spoke of these ideals – he lived them. And in this time of rising tensions and deepening divisions, his message carries renewed urgency.

We are witnessing a troubling erosion of our shared humanity. Violence is displacing dialogue. Civilians are bearing the brunt of conflict. International law is being flouted. Human rights are being trampled. And the foundations of peace are under strain.

Gandhi understood that non-violence is not a weapon of the weak, it is the strength of the courageous. It is the power to resist injustice without hatred; confront oppression without cruelty; and build peace through dignity, not domination.

In these dangerous and divided times, let us find the strength to follow his lead, end the suffering, advance diplomacy, heal divisions, and create a just, sustainable and peaceful world for all.

António Guterres.

EVENT: The date of 2 October was marked as the International Day of Non-Violence by General Assembly Resolution ARES/61/271 of 15 June 2007. Cosponsored by 140 countries the resolution established the commemoration of the International Day as an occasion to "disseminate the message of non- violence, including through education and public awareness". A high-level event will mark the observance. Register to participate!

Watch the commemoration of International Day of Non-Violence!

International Day of Yoga 2023; June 21st.

FORUM: "Yoga for 'The World is One Family." International Day of Yoga 2023.

Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga brings about peace in this modern, fast-paced life by combining the body, mind, spirit and soul. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Yoga, #21June, #Yoga4theword, #onefamily #YogaDay.

 EVENTS: 9th International Day of Yoga. This year, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, is organizing the 9th International Day of Yoga at the North Lawn Area of the UNHQ, under the theme "Yoga for Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" [Yoga for 'The World is One Family']. Delegates from the UN Member States, Officials and staff of the UN secretariat as well as eminent persons from all walks of life in New York, will be participating in the event. 

 

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Yoga 2023; June 21st.

In a divided world, yoga unites millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace. On this Internationa Day of Yoga, let us embrace this spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people and planet.

Antonio Guteress. United Nations Secretary-General.