International Yoga Day Celebrated at the UN with Over 800 Participants
New York – On June 18, 2026, the North Lawn of the United Nations transformed into a vibrant yoga space, welcoming over 800 participants from various backgrounds for the 12th International Day of Yoga. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” was organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.
As the sun began to set, participants rolled out their mats in organized rows, facing the East River. The event commenced with the peaceful chanting of “Om,” creating a calm atmosphere as skilled instructors guided the attendees through various yoga poses and breathing techniques.
The large gathering took place near a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideals of peace and harmony resonated with many participants. This symbolic setting highlighted the essence of yoga as a bridge connecting people and cultures worldwide.
Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first non-Indian female Siddha Master, was the guest of honor at this event. Attendees enjoyed yoga sessions led by instructors from the Art of Living Foundation, while Dennis Scotto, the Chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Diplomats, UN officials, and local yoga lovers joined together to stretch and breathe in unison. This gathering highlighted how global cooperation can thrive not just in formal meetings, but also through shared practices like yoga.
P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized yoga’s expanding influence and its importance for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being across different cultures. He expressed that yoga originates from ancient Indian wisdom and promotes the idea of the world as one family.
This year, the focus on “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” aimed to highlight the role of yoga in supporting older adults. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a special address, noted how yoga can aid societies facing changing demographics.
“Yoga,” he explained, “offers a way for people of all ages to find calm and purpose, making it beneficial for maintaining health and dignity in older age.”
The current theme aligns with the World Health Organization’s Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), advocating for active and engaged lifestyles for older adults. The gentle movements and mindfulness in yoga can help improve balance and flexibility, which are vital for daily living.
Guterres called for society to care for its elder members, aiming for a world where every generation leads a healthy life.
The International Day of Yoga, celebrated every June 21, was established after India proposed a UN resolution in 2014, gaining overwhelming support from member states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described yoga as a means to connect with oneself and the world.
The UN’s initiatives on this day underscore pressing public health issues. Both the UN and the WHO recognize yoga as a practical and low-cost way to promote healthier choices and combat physical inactivity—an important risk factor for various health conditions.
Each year, the celebration centers on different aspects of wellness. In 2026, the emphasis on healthy ageing reinforces the message that yoga not only helps individuals manage modern life’s stresses but also nurtures a sense of unity with others and the planet.
The spirit of yoga on this International Day served as a reminder to seek balance not just within ourselves, but also within our communities and across generations in an ever-changing world.
