Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 21, 2025 Culture and education
Meditation is a practice of focused attention aimed at achieving a state of calm and mental clarity. Rooted in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across various civilizations, it encourages living in the present moment.
According to archaeological evidence, meditation existed as early as 5000 BCE. Its various forms are found in ancient Egypt and China, as well as in Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This year, the UN is celebrating its second World Day dedicated to this ancient practice, which has been proven to improve personal well-being and mental health.
In the face of global challenges, meditation offers a powerful tool for cultivating peace, unity, and compassion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), meditation can be an effective self-care tool that complements treatment and improves overall well-being, especially in anxiety disorders. Research confirms its ability to reduce stress, improve concentration and emotional balance, alleviate anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality. It also promotes physical health, including lowering blood pressure and relieving pain.
Even a few minutes of daily practice based on breathing and mindful presence can help you find calm and focus.
Strengthening Peace and Unity through Meditation
Beyond its individual benefits, meditation fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, promoting collective well-being. Recognized for its universality, meditation is practiced in all regions of the world by people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles.
At the United Nations, meditation holds a special place, exemplified by the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York. Opened in 1952 under the leadership of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, this "room of silence" symbolizes the crucial role of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony. In Hammarskjöld's words, in this house of work and discussion for the benefit of peace, "there should be one room dedicated to silence in the outer sense and stillness in the inner sense."
In times of global challenges such as armed conflict, climate crisis, and rapid technological advancement, meditation offers a powerful means for cultivating peace, unity, and compassion. World Meditation Day reminds us of the importance of developing human consciousness to address these challenges and create harmony within ourselves and our communities.
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