NEW YORK: In commemoration of the historic adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution declaring 21st December as “World Meditation Day”, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in New York hosted the first celebratory event of the core group of countries, on 20th December 2024, to mark the global significance of the practice of Meditation.
This event, entitled “Meditation – Its Universality and Relevance in the 21st Century” focused on underlining the relevance and benefits of meditation for modern living with a keynote address by Dr. Tony Nader, a Medical Doctor trained at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and globally recognized meditation expert. During his address, Dr. Nader highlighted the benefits of practicing meditation and the scientific studies done on the subject. “Meditation is not a luxury, it is a necessity” he mentioned, highlighting the benefits of meditation to modern life.
Representing the main sponsors of the resolution, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, delivered the welcome remarks recalling the process of consultations that culminated in the adoption of the resolution. This was followed by a video message from Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and remarks by the representatives of Andorra, Nepal Mexico and India. The event was moderated by Myriam Oehri, Deputy Permanent Representative and Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein.
The draft resolution L.27 entitled “World Meditation Day” was presented to the United Nations General Assembly by the core group of six countries comprising of Sri Lanka, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Mexico, Nepal & India and was adopted on 6th December 2024. The resolution recognized meditation’s contribution to health and well-being and its universality. Seventy one (71) States from all geographical regions and cultural backgrounds co-sponsored the resolution which was adopted by consensus. Sri Lanka played a key role in facilitation of the negotiations leading to the adoption of the resolution.
