Participants stretch in unison on the UN Palais lawns during International Day of Yoga in Geneva, on 21 June 2025
Permanent Mission of India in Geneva
On 21 June 2025, millions of people around the world came together to celebrate the 11th United Nations' International Day of Yoga, embracing the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health.". This year's observance emphasized the vital link between personal well-being and the health of the planet, aligning with WHO's commitment to holistic health and environmental harmony.
In Geneva, the Permanent Mission of India hosted a two-day celebration that reflected the global spirit of the occasion. On 20 June, a special discourse titled "Emotional self-care in a world in crisis" was held at the Palais des Nations, led by Sister Jayanti of the spiritual movement, Brahma Kumaris.
WHO Assistant Director-- General for Health Systems, Dr Yukiko Nakatani, addressed the meeting:
"In today's world, self-care is not a luxury. It is a necessity and an important component of universal health coverage. As we face many global challenges, self-care offers a simple yet powerful way to protect our health and promote well-being. It combines the wisdom of traditional practices with science-based strategies and personal experience."
The following morning, a vibrant yoga session took place on the lawns of Allée des Drapeaux, drawing participants from the diplomatic community, local residents, and international visitors.
Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist, shared her reflections on the day:
"A systematic review on yoga reflects the latest science and confirms yoga's positive effects on mental health, cardiovascular function, physical fitness and quality of life. Investment in and implementation of this type of rigorous science enables WHO to develop evidence-based guidance to support national policies and programmes that reflect the lived experiences, needs and benefits reported by millions of people worldwide."
In Delhi, WHO's South-East Asia office hosted a virtual celebration on the morning of 21 June, allowing global participation through live streaming. The event featured guided yoga sessions and reflections on yoga's global impact.
In her address, Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, emphasized the broader significance of the day:
"This year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' reminds us of the deep connection between our well-being and the health of our planet. Yoga is more than just physical exercise—it is a journey toward inner peace and harmony. In a world facing environmental challenges, yoga offers a path to sustainability. It encourages us to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world. When we care for the Earth, we care for ourselves."
She also highlighted compelling research:
77% of people report feeling physically stronger after regular yoga practice.
82% of patients with chronic inflammation experienced nearly a 50% reduction in symptoms after six weeks of daily yoga.
A Harvard Medical School study found that 60% of participants with depression experienced significant symptom reduction after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks.
At the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), colleagues marked the occasion with a practical and accessible approach. Diana Tawadros, a certified yoga instructor and EMRO staff member, led a session demonstrating simple stretches for the neck, arms, and shoulders— designed to reduce tension and improve posture and perfect for those spending long hours at their desks.
Diana's sessions are supported by the EMRO Staff Association and are open to all colleagues. Those interested in joining can contact Diana Tawadros or Maha El Bakry via email.
To mark the occasion, WHO Regional Office for Europe (EURO) shared a calming 10-minute desk- yoga video to encourage everyone to take a mindful pause, showing that even a few minutes of movement and breath can support well-being—no mat or change of clothes required.
WHO continues to promote yoga as a powerful tool for health and well-being. Its mYoga app, launched in 2022, provides accessible, evidence-based yoga guidance for people of all ages and backgrounds. WHO is also developing a technical report on yoga training standards to ensure quality, safety, and inclusivity in yoga instruction worldwide.
Yoga's growing role in global health is further underscored by its inclusion in the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and its prominence in the upcoming WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit in India on 2-4 December 2025 .
