WHO/ Tessa Edejer
International Yoga Day 27 August 2025
© Credits

International Yoga Day - “One Earth, One Health.” Join a yoga activity at the Palais des Nations.

27 August 2025
Departmental update
Geneva

Across the globe, communities come together through workshops, group sessions, and awareness campaigns to highlight the life-enhancing benefits of yoga. It’s a day dedicated to embracing wellness and inspiring people to make yoga a part of their daily lives for a healthier and happier future. Keep reading to learn how you can get involved.  

As this day falls at the weekend, there is no activity on the HQ Campus for Geneva-based colleagues.  However, the Permanent Mission of India is hosting a celebration on Saturday 21 June from 09.00 to 10.00hrs. 

Complimentary t-shirts and yoga mats will be available on first-come-first-served basis.

Get started with yoga classes this summer.  Here's how you can get involved.. 

Free classes are also available throughout the summer months as part of the Geneva Canopée programme.   The Ville de Geneve has an exciting selection of exercise classes, including Vinyasa Yoga which take place at the Pavillion located by the lake. This class caters for all levels.  

 The participation is free and without registration. Just turn up in sports attire with a yoga mat (or a towel to lie on). Classes take place up to 17 August 2025. Discover the programme at the link below.

The WHO HQ Fitness Centre offers a range of instructor-led classes to help members reach their fitness goals. These classes provide a great way to stay motivated in a friendly and safe space. 

Classes are led by external and internal instructors who are trained in specific areas of fitness. External instructors are usually certified trainers or instructors with specialized knowledge in a certain type of fitness, such as Pilates, yoga, aerobics, and strength training. 

Internal instructors, mainly WHO and UNAIDS staff have committed to contribute to the improvement of members’ physical health, mental well-being by fostering a positive and supportive environment. Some offer free classes, other charge a nominal fee.

Power Yoga with Adrien (Yellow Gym)

50 minutes - Mondays at 12h 
Power Yoga is a dynamic and fitness-oriented style of yoga that combines strength, flexibility, and endurance. It focuses on flowing, continuous movements synchronized with your breath, creating a powerful workout that also improves balance and mindfulness, and enhances the cardiovascular system.

 

Hatha Yoga with Anna (Yellow gym)

50 minutes - Tuesdays at 13h
In this class you will experience a mindful and balanced practice, focusing on breath, movement, and alignment. You will explore various asanas to build strength, flexibility, and inner calm, while incorporating moments of stillness and meditation to cultivate awareness.