International Yoga Federation:

ENGAGEMENT IN ECOSOC AND SPORTS

International Yoga Federation's Journey to Achieving Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC

Uniting Yoga, Sports, Health, Peace, and Sustainable Development on the Global Stage

INTRODUCTION

The International Yoga Federation (IYF), established in 2013 and registered in Türkiye, with an office in the United States, applied for Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2024. The application was reviewed in February and May 2025 and is now awaiting final consideration in February 2026.

Operating in 62 countries with 71 member organizations and collaborating with local partners in 210 countries, the International Youth Foundation (IYF) is dedicated to promoting yoga as a globally recognized sport, educational system, wellness discipline, and tool for sustainable development—all in alignment with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

WHAT WE DO

The IYF implements comprehensive programs to achieve our mission.

Events and Training: Organize and contribute to festivals, retreats, seminars, forums, workshops, courses, and both online and in-person training, including the IYEC International Yoga Expert Certification.

The Yoga Academy Journal publishes issues, bulletins, books, and engages in research collaborations with universities in member countries to analyze the health, sports, and social outcomes of yoga.

Global Cooperation: Collaborate with NGOs, federations, universities, government agencies, and UN entities to promote the inclusion of yoga in public health, education, rehabilitation, environmental initiatives, and sports diplomacy.

Yoga Sport Competitions organizes World, Continental, and Regional Yoga Championships across eight sports disciplines, reaching practitioners in over 210 countries to promote unity, excellence, and awareness.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC) AND ITS SUBSIDIARY BODIES

We plan to maintain sustained engagement with the core ECOSOC Commissions.

Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ)

Integrate yoga-based prevention programs to address stress, addiction, and social reintegration.

Develop rehabilitation initiatives for individuals in recovery through yoga therapy.

Train justice and recovery professionals through IYEC capacity-building initiatives.

Publish research on the effects of yoga on recidivism, mental health, and community cohesion.

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

Promote outdoor for Nature events that raise awareness about forest conservation.

Engage youth as environmental ambassadors through yoga.

Integrate tree planting and eco-friendly living into IYF festivals and retreats.

Women, Youth, Education, and Sustainable Development

Deliver monthly IYEC programs worldwide to empower women with leadership skills, economic independence, and community influence.

Launch specialized certifications in children's rights, peace education, trauma recovery, and disability inclusion.

Conduct global research in 2025 on for Peace and Development in collaboration with member institutions.

RECENT AND PLANNED INITIATIVES (2025-2027)

World Yoga Championship (2025, 2026, 2027): 1,000 athletes from 210 countries each year.

International Yoga Expert Certificate (IYEC) Program: Monthly programs are held in the USA, Argentina, Turkey, France, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, training over 10,000 practitioners.

International Awareness Festivals: Monthly events with 300 to 1,600 attendees, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Yoga Academy Journal: A quarterly printed journal (25,000 copies per year) that focuses on Sustainable Development Goals and yoga research.

Global Research (2025-2027): Launch of the for Peace and Development study across member nations.

OUR GLOBAL TEAM

IYF UN Workgroup – Responsible for ECOSOC and UN Engagement:

The team works under the guidance of Mrs. Sems Uzuneser.

We invite experienced professionals in sports diplomacy, public health, and sustainable development to join our volunteer team.

GET INVOLVED

We welcome your support through:
Joining our global community or volunteer team
Participating in festivals, retreats, championships, and training
Sponsoring our programs and initiatives
Subscribing to Yoga & SDGs newsletter

Contact us: info@internationalyogafederation.com.tr

IYF is dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to international health, sports, gender equality, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of peaceful communities—all through the transformative practice of yoga.