Colleagues, friends, and family members,
Good morning. Namaste.
A very warm welcome to everyone joining us today, especially those who have taken time on a Sunday morning to be with us. It is wonderful to see colleagues and family members coming together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga.
While I would have very much liked to welcome you in person, I am delighted that this virtual format allows us to connect across our Region and participate from the comfort of our homes - a setting that feels especially appropriate for a practice that is meant to be part of our everyday lives.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, a WHO Collaborative Centre, for partnering with us and guiding today's session.
Today, we join millions of people around the world in celebrating the International Day of Yoga. This year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," reminds us that living longer is not enough, we must also ensure that people can live those years in good health, with independence, dignity, and purpose.
Across our Region and around the world, populations are ageing rapidly. Healthy ageing is therefore one of the most important public health priorities of our time. Yoga offers a simple yet powerful way to support that goal.
Yoga helps maintain strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility, while also supporting mental well-being and reducing stress. Importantly, yoga is for everyone. It can be adapted to different ages, abilities, and stages of life, making it an inclusive practice that people can benefit from throughout the life course.
Yoga is much more than a set of physical exercises. It encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, be present, and find balance in our daily lives. In doing so, it reminds us that health is not only about the absence of disease, but about overall well-being—physical, mental, and social.
This resonates strongly with our work at WHO. We strive not only to prevent disease, but also to help people live healthier, fuller, and more meaningful lives at every age.
As we celebrate this International Day of Yoga, let us reflect on how small daily practices can contribute to healthier and more fulfilling lives. Let us care for ourselves, support one another across generations, and help create communities where everyone can thrive at every stage of life.
Thank you for joining us this morning.