ENGAGEMENT IN ECOSOC AND SPORTS

International Yoga Federation (IYF) – Application for 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 currently awaiting final consideration in February 2026.

Operating in 62 countries with 71 member organizations and partnering with individuals and institutions across 210 countries, IYF promotes yoga as a globally recognized sport, educational system, wellness discipline, and pathway for sustainable development in alignment with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What We Do

The International Yoga Federation (IYF) functions as a global coordination and networking platform that connects volunteers, member organizations, sponsors, and partner institutions to promote yoga and sustainable development worldwide. All activities are carried out through voluntary contributions, sponsorships, and collaborations with independent partners. IYF does not own or financially operate the companies or events involved; instead, it provides the global framework, outreach, and professional network that make these initiatives possible.

• Supports the organization of festivals, retreats, seminars, forums, and workshops—both online and in-person—through its global network, including the IYEC International Yoga Expert Certification program, which is implemented by local partners and coordinated by IYF volunteers.
• The Yoga Academy Journal is an independent publication produced in partnership with IYF. Its editorial content is prepared by IYF volunteer members, while printing and distribution are handled by an external publishing company. The magazine is mainly distributed as a complimentary educational resource sponsored by IYF members. A limited number of copies are sold directly by the publisher, which operates independently from IYF’s financial and administrative structure.
• Collaborates with NGOs, federations, universities, and UN-related bodies to promote yoga within the fields of health, education, environment, rehabilitation, and sports diplomacy—mobilizing volunteers and sponsors for each initiative.
• Supports World, Continental, and Regional Yoga Championships across eight disciplines through its international network, ensuring participation, coordination, and global outreach. Sponsorship and local organization are carried out independently by member associations and partners.

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

• Integrate yoga-based prevention programs to address stress, addiction, and reintegration.
• Develop rehabilitation initiatives through yoga therapy.
• Train justice and recovery professionals via IYEC capacity-building modules.
• Publish research on yoga’s effects on mental health and community cohesion.

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

• Promote outdoor yoga-for-nature events raising awareness on forest conservation.
• Engage youth as environmental ambassadors through yoga initiatives.
• Include tree-planting and eco-living practices in IYF festivals and retreats.

Women, Youth, Education, and Sustainable Development

• Deliver monthly IYEC programs empowering women with leadership and economic independence.
• Launch certifications on children’s rights, peace education, trauma recovery, and inclusion.
• Conduct 2025–2027 research on “Yoga for Peace and Development” in collaboration with member institutions.

Recent and Planned Initiatives (2025–2027)

• World Yoga Championship (2025–2027): Over 1,000 athletes from 210 countries.
• IYEC International Yoga Expert Program: Monthly sessions in multiple countries training over 1,000 practitioners.
• International Awareness Festivals: Monthly events with 300–1,600 attendees aligned with the SDGs.
• Yoga Academy Journal: Quarterly printed edition (20,000 copies per year) focused on SDGs and research.

Our Global Team

The IYF UN Workgroup, guided by Mrs. Sems Uzuneser, coordinates ECOSOC and UN engagement. We welcome professionals in sports diplomacy, public health, and sustainable development to join our volunteer network.

Get Involved

Support our mission by joining our community, participating in festivals and trainings, sponsoring programs, or subscribing to the Yoga & SDGs newsletter.

Contact: info@internationalyogafederation.com.tr

IYF has applied for Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC. The application is currently under review.