UN declares December 21 as World Meditation Day

Sub: IR

Sec: Int org

Context:

India was part of a core group of countries, including Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra, that helped guide the adoption of the World Meditation Day resolution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The resolution to mark December 21 as World Meditation Day was adopted unanimously by all 193 member countries.
The date coincides with the Winter Solstice, which marks the beginning of ‘Uttarayana’ in Indian tradition.

Significance of World Meditation Day:

The establishment of World Meditation Day aims to raise awareness about the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of meditation.
It encourages people worldwide to practice meditation as a tool for personal wellbeing and global peace.
Meditation is recognized for its role in reducing stress, promoting emotional balance, and fostering a sense of unity among diverse populations.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six main organs of the United Nations (UN) and serves as its main decision-making body.
It was established in 1945 under the UN Charter and is headquartered in New York City.
It is composed of all 193 member states of the UN, each of which has one vote. It provides a forum for all member states to discuss global issues and shape international policy.
The General Assembly meets once a year in a regular session, typically beginning in September, at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
While its resolutions are typically non-binding, they carry significant moral authority.