What is GWD?

All of us want to be healthier, feel better, and live well—physically and spiritually.

Living well is a dream shared across almost every corner of the world.

Founded in 2012 by Belgin Aksoy, Global Wellness Day is a completely not-for-profit day and an international social movement dedicated to support this universal dream of living a healthier and better life. As the founder of Global Wellness Day, Belgin aims to bring her vision to the world with the slogan “One day can change your whole life!”

The fundamental purpose of the day is to inspire individuals and communities to focus on living well—to pause, reconnect with themselves, reflect on their wellbeing, and let go of harmful habits and daily stresses.

What began as a single celebration in Türkiye has grown into a worldwide movement. Today, Global Wellness Day is celebrated only with complimentary activities by millions of people on the second Saturday of June every year, simultaneously across the globe. Global Wellness Day (GWD) has been recognized by presidents, mayors, schools, hospitals, associations, foundations, world-renowned athletes, business leaders, Hollywood figures, and many more.

Since its first celebration in 2012, Global Wellness Day has become recognized around the world as the first global day dedicated to living well. In 2026, it was celebrated with complimentary activities under the theme #JoyMagenta—once again highlighting the importance of living well.

Celebrated in tens of thousands of locations around the world and touching the lives of millions of people, Global Wellness Day celebrations included: An inspiring talk on joy, gratitude, and wellness was held with the participation of world-renowned women’s health expert Dr. Stacy Sims. Sunrise yoga, a kayaking experience in Sydney Harbour, and wellness talks led by experts added vibrancy to the celebrations in Australia. A comprehensive program ranging from a community run and energizing fitness flows to thought-provoking health dialogues and calming moments of pause offering participants an unforgettable wellness experience in Kenya. Spinning, aqua gym, healthy snacks, sound bowl sessions, dance, and meditation activities in Mexico. Traditional dances, environmental clean-up activities, and talks with high school students on wellness, sustainability, and ocean protection, record-breaking floating healthy breakfast experiences, yoga sessions, and island runs were also among the highlights of the celebrations in the Maldives. Fun run accompanied by a DJ, yoga and Pilates classes, flower arrangement workshops, dance, and high-energy activities in Taiwan. Tai Chi, meditation, and sound healing sessions were held against the city skyline, alongside many lively and enjoyable activities in collaboration with AIA Vitality Hub in Hong Kong. A day filled with creativity, movement, and connection through activities such as handicrafts, mandala flower arrangement, yoga, aquafit, and a cycling tour in Vietnam.

Global Wellness Day will next be celebrated on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Take one step closer to living well—let our manifesto be your guide.