The United Nations proclaimed 21 June

as the International Day of Yoga

dia-internacional-yoga

"By proclaiming 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, the General Assembly has recognized the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations."

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as International Yoga Day by resolution 69/131.

International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

ONU:

http://www.un.org/en/events/yogaday/

United Nations

A/RES/69/131

General Assembly Sixty-ninth session

Agenda item 124

Distr.: General 9 January 2015

14-67019 (E)

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 11 December 2014

[without reference to a Main Committee (A/69/L.17 and Add.1)] 69/131. International Day of Yoga

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 66/2 of 19September 2011 on the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases and 68/98 of 11 December 2013 on global health and foreign policy,

Reaffirming General Assembly resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of international years, and Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on international years and anniversaries,

Noting the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health,

Underscoring the fact that global health is a long-term development objective that requires closer international cooperation through the exchange of best practices aimed at building better individual lifestyles devoid of excesses of all kinds,

Recognizing that yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being, Recognizing also that wider dissemination of information about the benefits of

practising yoga would be beneficial for the health of the world population,

  1. Decides to proclaim 21 June the International Day of Yoga;
  2. Invites all Member and observer States, the organizations of the United

Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Yoga, in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, in order to raise awareness of the benefits of practising yoga;

3. Stresses that the cost of all activities that may arise from the implementation of the present resolution should be met from voluntary contributions;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member and observer States and the organizations of the United Nations system.

69th plenary meeting 11 December 2014

http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/69/131