United and Present: A Mindful Approach to UN Work and Beyond

Join us for United and Present: A Mindful Approach to UN Work and Beyond, a transformative mindfulnes event designed for professionals, changemakers, and anyone seeking to cultivate presence and purpose in their work and life. Featuring renowned meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., this local mindfulnes event brings together a carefully curated community of practitioners and seekers on Wednesday, December 9, 2026. Whether you're new to mindfulness practice or a seasoned meditator, this gathering offers a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of how mindful awareness can transform both personal well-being and collective impact.

This isn't your typical mindfulnes event—it's an immersive exploration of how meditation and present-moment awareness directly enhance our capacity to show up meaningfully in our work, relationships, and global responsibility. Kabat-Zinn's pioneering work in bringing mindfulness into mainstream science and healthcare has influenced millions worldwide, and his presence at this local mindfulnes event promises insights that bridge the gap between inner contemplative practice and outer-world contribution.

The atmosphere is contemplative yet grounded, professional yet deeply human. You'll experience guided meditations, teachings rooted in both neuroscience and ancient wisdom, and meaningful dialogue about sustaining presence amid complexity and change. This is a mindfulnes event for the modern world—one that honors the power of stillness while acknowledging our collective call to action.

What to Expect

Arrive early to settle into the calm, welcoming space and connect with fellow attendees. The event opens with a brief centering practice, allowing the group to synchronize into shared presence before diving into the day's teachings. From there, expect alternating sessions of guided meditation, interactive teachings, and facilitated conversations—each designed to deepen your understanding of mindfulness and its real-world applications.

You'll experience moments of profound silence, where the only sound is your own breath and the gentle awareness of 200+ practitioners meditating together. Interspersed are illuminating talks that weave neuroscience, lived experience, and practical wisdom into a coherent vision of how mindful awareness transforms leadership, resilience, and compassion. Small group breakout sessions offer space to explore themes relevant to UN work, organizational change, and personal integration.

As the event concludes, you'll leave with concrete practices to carry home: meditation techniques you can use immediately, a deeper understanding of how presence fuels purposeful action, and connections with a local community of mindful practitioners committed to real-world impact.

About the Artists

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. is the founder of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society and the originator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). His decades of research have demonstrated the measurable benefits of meditation on human physiology and psychology, earning him international recognition as a pioneer in translating Buddhist contemplative practices into secular, scientifically-validated interventions. At this mindfulnes event, Kabat-Zinn brings his characteristic clarity, warmth, and depth—offering both rigorous teaching and genuine human connection.

Venue & Location

This local mindfulnes event takes place in an elegant, light-filled space designed to support contemplative practice. The venue features comfortable seating arranged to encourage both individual focus and community connection, with excellent acoustics for guided meditations and teachings. The neighborhood is easily accessible by public transit, with ample nearby parking for attendees driving. Large windows offer soft natural light, creating an environment that feels both professional and sanctuary-like—perfect for the inner work and outer-world dialogue this event facilitates.