Statement by the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Tanzania, Shabnam Mallick International Day of Yoga | Gymkhana Club |

• Hon. Minister Anthony P. Mavunde, Ministry of Minerals
• H.E. Bishwadip Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania
• Excellencies - Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps
• Representatives from various organizations
• Media
• Invited guests

Good morning! 

Namaste!

Happy International Yoga Day!

It is an honour to join you today in celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga. 

Just a couple of weeks ago, I found myself doing the padmasana (lotus pose) on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro — breathless, not just from the altitude, but from the sheer joy (and challenge!) of balancing on top of Africa. If yoga teaches you anything, it’s to stay centred — even when you’re 5,895 metres above sea level!

Today, we come together to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga, under the powerful theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" — a reminder that our personal well-being is deeply connected to the health of our communities and our planet.

Yoga, with its roots in ancient India, has now become a global practice — because it works. It calms the mind, strengthens the body, and helps us feel more grounded, more alive. In Tanzania — with its stunning natural beauty and deep community spirit — yoga feels right at home.

Science backs what sages have known for centuries: yoga reduces stress, improves health, and builds resilience — all essential for achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Whether it’s students learning to focus better, professionals managing work pressure, or elders staying active and sharp — yoga offers something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or can’t yet touch your toes — today is for you. Stretch a little, breathe a little deeper, and remember: every time you pause for a mindful breath, the world gets a bit more peaceful.

Even in UN peacekeeping missions — including those with many dedicated Tanzanian peacekeepers — yoga is being used to build mental resilience and support well-being in high-stress environments. It’s a small but powerful way to bring more calm into a chaotic world.

The International Day of Yoga, observed globally under the auspices of the United Nations, is not only significant for yoga practitioners but also coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere—a moment that has held symbolic meaning across cultures and civilizations for millennia.

In recognition of this universal significance, the United Nations also observes 21 June as the International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice. The solstice symbolizes vitality, growth, and new beginnings, making it a fitting backdrop for celebrating yoga—a discipline rooted in inner balance, mindfulness, and harmony with the universe.

And let’s take this beyond today. Let’s build yoga in the daily routines of our schools, offices, local communities — not merely as something trendy, but as something timeless. Let’s make Tanzania a place where well-being, balance, and environmental awareness go hand in hand.

To all the yoga teachers, volunteers, and curious newcomers — thank you. You are helping build a more mindful, healthy, and connected society.

Namaste. Asanteni Sana. And if you ever find yourself up in Kilimanjaro – or on the greens at Gymkhana Club — a yoga pose is strictly optional… but highly recommended!