Guterres urges building more harmonious world for people, planet, ourselves

22 / 06 / 2023

By Marwa Nassar - - -

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres called on the 2023 International Day of Yoga to embrace the spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people, planet and ourselves.

“I want to recognize Prime Minister Modi for all he has done to promote understanding of yoga and its many benefits,” he said in a recorded speech marking the event.

Yoga unites body and mind, humanity and nature, and millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace, Guterres expounded.

In a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice are particularly precious.

“Yoga offers a haven of calm. It can reduce anxiety and promote mental wellbeing. It helps us to develop discipline and patience. It connects us to our planet, which so badly needs our protection. And it reveals our common humanity – helping us to understand that despite our differences, we are one,” Guterres said.

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN, in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, organized the 9th International Day of Yoga at the North Lawn area of UN Headquarters, under the theme “Yoga for Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” (Yoga for ‘The World is One Family’).

Due to the importance of yoga for wellbeing, the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Government of India, has launched WHO mYoga – a yoga app to help people stay active and healthy. The app is safe and secure, and does not collect any data from users. It is available for free download on Android devices, and Apple devices.

The app – launched in 2021 – contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and accompany yoga practice, and is an easy-to-use and free tool for both people who are trying yoga for the first time or those who already practice yoga regularly. No special equipment is needed, and users can learn or practice for between 3 to 45 minutes, so even busy people can use it to get active.

The app was developed by BeHe@lthy BeMobile, a joint initiative between the World Health Organization and the International Telecommunications Union Input from experts around the world was organized by the WHO Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine unit and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (the WHO collaborating center for traditional medicine). WHO mYoga was created in response to the global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023, which aims to strengthen the quality, safety, and effectiveness of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

The UN resolution proclaiming the International Yoga Day highlighted “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.