Remarks by Mr. Michael Møller United Nations Under-Secretary-General Director-General a.i. of the United Nations Office at Geneva on the occasion of International Day of Yoga 2015, Sunday, 21 June 2015 at Palais des Nations

Remarks by Mr. Michael Møller

United Nations Under-Secretary-General

Director-General a.i. of the United Nations Office at Geneva

International Day of Yoga 2015

Sunday, 21 June 2015 at 10.00 am

Palais des Nations

Excellencies,

Friends of Yoga,

Ladies and gentlemen :

What a wonderful occasion, to be celebrating the International Day of Yoga here at the heart of International Geneva. Today, we have the chance to merge the spirit of multilateralism, inherent in the historic walls of the Palais des Nations, with the holistic benefits of the timeless practice of Yoga. I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of India for having put this event in place with an organizational energy that, I am sure, derives itself from regular practice of Yoga.

 

Yoga promotes the principles of peace, rights and well-being that the community in International Geneva is working towards on a daily basis. It helps to relax, promoting peace of mind. It creates a strong level of consciousness about oneself and one’s environment, promoting respect for fellow human beings and for our planet. And of course, it provides a means to enhance the physical well-being of those who practice it.

 

With its focus on transforming body and mind, Yoga has very much the same goals as I do in my role as Director-General of UNOG. In the coming years, we will be seeing a transformation of the buildings in and around the Palais des Nations to improve sustainability, comfort and efficiency. And through the Perception Change Project, together with our partners, we have already set in motion a transformation for a better understanding of International Geneva and the United Nations in the minds of many.In the search for innovative ways to pursue these goals, Yoga may well give us useful insights.

 

Today, we are marking both the official beginning of summer here in Switzerland, and the first International Day of Yoga as recognized by the General Assembly.The combination of summer and Yoga gives a realsense of positive energy.

 

As thousands are practicing Yoga around the world today, we are sending a strong message of unity and connection – a message that is of substantial value at a time of great challenges but also great opportunities for multilateralism.

 

It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the Palais des Nations and I wish all of us a happy International Day of Yoga.

 

Thank you very much.

 
29th Session of the Human Rights Council (15 June - 03 July 2015)
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