On April 15, Nepal marked the first International Wellness Day. The day was observed within and outside of the country with different programs. Nepal mobilized its embassies and permanent missions around the world to promote the idea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal (MoFA) also organized a short session at the Ministry to mark the first International Wellness Day.
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal highlighted the importance of embracing wellness practices in our daily lives and encouraged all at the ministry to make wellness a conscious and sustained way of life. On the same day, a special program was held at Tundikhel under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries from various walks of life including Speaker of the Parliament Dol Prasad Aryal and Minister for Tourism Khadak Raj Poudel.
The United Nations General Assembly, on March 10, officially proclaimed April 15 as the International Wellness Day. The resolution titled ‘International Wellness Day’ was proposed by Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN. The resolution, initiated by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN in New York at the UN General Assembly, highlighted the growing global recognition of wellness as a holistic concept encompassing physical, emotional, social, cultural, and ecological well-being.
This initiative marks a significant achievement in promoting Nepal’s soft power at the global level. It is the first time the country has led the proclamation for an International Day in the UN. This initiative also reflects Nepal’s growing engagement in global health and sustainable development diplomacy. Prior to the adoption of the resolution, the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN in New York had led a series of transparent and inclusive consultations with delegates at the UN to finalize the text of the resolution through consensus.
With the proclamation, April 15 will now serve as an annual global observance aimed at promoting physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being as essential pillars of sustainable development and human dignity around the world. Presenting the resolution at the plenary session of the General Assembly, Ambassador Thapa emphasized that the world is facing complex, interconnected health challenges. “Multiple global crises have intensified pressures on health systems worldwide. We are facing mounting health challenges, shaped and sharpened by the interplay of numerous and overlapping global crises and challenges.” he said. “Our health system is being tested like never before.”
According to the resolution, promoting holistic wellness can play a key role in addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including mental health issues. The resolution received strong international support. It was co-sponsored or proposed by 40 UN member states and backed up by broader members within the UN system. The International Wellness Day is expected to raise global awareness about the importance of balanced well-being and encourage governments, institutions, and communities to adopt integrated approaches to health and development.
In this geopolitically charged world, Nepal’s practice of soft power diplomacy at the multilateral forums is certainly a remarkable achievement. We can confidently say that International Wellness Day is Nepal’s own endeavor to enhance soft power for the global good.
