The first World Meditation Day declared by the UNGA

21-12-2024

Aspect		Key Points
Date		December 21, 2024 The first World Meditation Day declared by the UNGA.
Resolution Date		December 6, 2024 UNGA adopted the resolution to establish World Meditation Day.
Co-sponsoring Countries		India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, Andorra.
Theme	Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony
Focus	This theme emphasizes the role of meditation in fostering peace, unity, and well-being worldwide. It highlights the ability of meditation to unite individuals and promote global harmony.

Significance of World Meditation Day:

Global Recognition:
1. World Meditation Day acknowledges meditation's important role in improving mental health, fostering inner peace, and contributing to societal harmony.
2. It aligns with India's philosophical concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" ("The world is one family"), emphasizing a unified approach to global peace.
Cultural and Spiritual Roots:
1. Meditation, deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions, has now spread worldwide as a holistic practice for stress relief, mental clarity, and overall health.
2. It has become an essential global tool to foster wellness, irrespective of cultural or geographical boundaries.
Health and Well-being:
1. The declaration highlights meditation's positive effects in reducing stress, enhancing cognitive functions, and promoting emotional balance.
2. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced, meditation has proven to be crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health.

Event	Key Points
UN Headquarters Event	Keynote address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the UN, with a live global meditation session.
Global Meditation Wave	Meditations will begin in New Zealand and move westward across the world, symbolizing global unity.
Digital Engagement	Various organizations will host online and in-person events to engage people globally in meditation practices.

Aspect	Key points
Indian Tradition	December 21, coinciding with the Winter Solstice, is a time of reflection, introspection, and spiritual growth in Indian culture. It aligns perfectly with the day’s goals of promoting inner peace and spiritual growth.
Global Movement	Similar to the International Day of Yoga (June 21), World Meditation Day aims to spread India’s ancient wellness practices worldwide, promoting a global movement for health, well-being, and peace.

Function	Key points
Deliberative Functions	Discusses and makes recommendations on issues like international peace, development, disarmament, human rights, and international law. Platform for multilateral discussions among member states.
Policymaking	Adopts non-binding resolutions, influencing international community stance. Recommends actions to the Security Council and other UN bodies.
Representation and Election	Elects non-permanent members of the Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Human Rights Council, and other organs. Appoints the UN Secretary-General based on Security Council recommendation.
Budgetary Authority	Approves the UN budget and determines financial contributions from member states. Requires a two-thirds majority for important budgetary decisions.
Peace and Security	"Uniting for Peace" resolution allows the Assembly to take action if the Security Council fails due to a veto, addressing peace threats, breaches, or acts of aggression.

Aspect	Key points
Sessions	Regular sessions from September to December each year, with additional sessions as required.
Leadership	Each session elects a President from among its members. The presidency rotates annually among regional groups.
Committees	Work is delegated to six main committees, including: Disarmament Economic and financial issues Social, humanitarian, and cultural issues

Period

Actions

Historical

Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015.

Recent

Resolutions addressing climate change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Actions on conflicts such as Gaza and Ukraine.

Non-binding Nature: Resolutions passed by the UNGA are not legally binding, except for decisions related to the UN budget.
Political Dynamics: Effectiveness can be influenced by political alliances and varying interests of member states.

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