Wellness Experts Series – The Vision Behind Global Wellness Day
Belgin Aksoy
Belgin Aksoy has dedicated more than three decades to the tourism and hotel industry, with over 20 years focused on wellness. A graduate of the Institute Hotelier César Ritz in Switzerland, Belgin is the visionary founder of Global Wellness Day, a social movement that inspires millions each year across tens of thousands of locations in over 170 countries.
Belgin Aksoy
Guided by the powerful belief that “One day can change your whole life!”, Global Wellness Day is celebrated every second Saturday of June with free, public wellness activities aimed at encouraging healthier living in mind, body and spirit. Belgin’s contributions to the industry have earned her international recognition, including the “Leading Woman in Wellness” award from the Global Wellness Summit, the “Personality of the Year” award by La Fédération des Professionnels du Bien-Être, and most recently, “Commitment to Excellence in Health & Wellbeing” by the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.
This month, we had the honour of speaking with Belgin about the journey behind Global Wellness Day, the challenges and opportunities in wellness today, and how individuals can find purpose even in the face of adversity.
GOCO: You have created a truly global movement with Global Wellness Day that inspires millions. Could you share what motivated you to bring this vision to life, and what keeps you inspired to grow it further each year?
Belgin: The vision for Global Wellness Day came from a deeply personal place. After facing a significant health challenge, I realised that wellness, living well in body, mind and spirit, is not just a luxury but a fundamental right for everyone. I asked myself, “If living well is a universal dream, why isn’t there a global day dedicated to it?” That simple question sparked the idea for Global Wellness Day in 2012, intending to inspire people to pause and reflect on one critical question: “How can I live a healthier and better life?”
What motivated me to bring this vision to life was the belief that even one day of awareness could ignite lasting change. I wanted to create a movement that wasn’t about profit but about people, uniting communities, individuals and organisations to prioritise wellbeing. The slogan “One day can change your whole life” reflects this: a single moment of mindfulness, a small step like drinking more water or taking a walk, can set someone on a path to a healthier, happier life.
What keeps me inspired to grow it each year is seeing the ripple effect. From a single event in Turkey, Global Wellness Day has spread to over 170 countries, reaching millions through free activities like yoga, meditation, nature walks and community clean-ups. The stories of impact, whether it’s a child discovering yoga, a workplace embracing mental health discussions or a community planting trees, fuel my passion. The 2025 theme, #ReconnectMagenta, has seen landmarks like the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in Istanbul lit up in magenta, symbolising the global unity and transformation this movement fosters.
Global Wellness Day in Italy
The support from global figures like Oprah Winfrey, Dr Mehmet Oz and Wim Hof, alongside grassroots efforts from ambassadors and volunteers, shows me that this movement resonates universally. Every year, the creativity of how people celebrate inspires me to push further, ensuring wellness becomes a priority not just for one day, but for all 365 days of the year.
GOCO: In your view, what are the greatest challenges and opportunities facing the global wellness industry today?
Belgin: One of the greatest challenges is accessibility. Wellness is often perceived as something exclusive or expensive, when in fact, it should be a basic human right. As I always say, “wellness is not a luxury, but the inherent right of every individual”.
There’s a growing gap between those who can afford wellness and those who cannot. At the same time, this challenge is also an opportunity to redefine wellness, democratise it, and make it inclusive and available to all.
Another challenge is the over-commercialisation of wellness. The industry risks losing its authenticity when the focus shifts too much to trends rather than truth. But here lies another opportunity: to return to the roots of wellness – connection, nature, movement, mindfulness and service. The more we focus on these timeless pillars, the more we can contribute meaningfully to the health of our societies and our planet.
GOCO: How do you see the future of wellness evolving over the next decade, especially in light of the growing focus on mental health, community connection and sustainability?
Belgin: First of all, wellness will be democratised, it will be a universal right, not a luxury but the inherent right of every individual. The future of wellness must be holistic and integrated.
Mental health will no longer be a side conversation; it will be at the heart of wellness initiatives. The pandemic has taught us that emotional resilience, human connection and mental wellbeing are not optional, they are essential.
We’ll also see a deeper merging of wellness and environmental consciousness. People are recognising that we cannot be well if the planet is unwell. Sustainable practices, from conscious consumption to regenerative design, will become non-negotiable.
Global Wellness Day Mexico
And finally, I believe we will return to the community. True wellness is not an individual pursuit; it thrives in connection. Whether it’s gathering for breathwork in a local park or sharing a meal with loved ones, we’ll see more emphasis on collective wellbeing as the path forward.
GOCO: What simple practices or mindsets would you encourage individuals to adopt daily to create a more balanced, meaningful and well-lived life?
Belgin: To create a more balanced, meaningful and well-lived life I would definitely suggest the Global Wellness Day’s simple 7-Step Manifesto which is accessible to all, regardless of social or economic backgrounds. By embracing GWD’s 7-Step Manifesto, anyone can celebrate Global Wellness Day and embark on their personal journey towards wellbeing.
GWD’s 7 Step Manifesto
- Walk for an hour daily
- Drink more water
- Don’t use plastic bottles
- Eat healthy food
- Do a good deed
- Have a family dinner with your loved ones
- Sleep at 10:00 pm
Global Wellness Day Thailand
GOCO: As someone who has turned a personal health challenge into a worldwide positive force, what advice would you offer to people who are facing their own struggles and seeking purpose?
Belgin: Your pain can become your power. Every challenge carries the seed of transformation. When I was battling illness, I didn’t know what the future would hold, but I knew I wanted to live a life with purpose. Purpose doesn’t always appear as a lightning bolt; sometimes it grows quietly through resilience, patience and reflection.
My advice is this: don’t be afraid to feel deeply. Lean into your experience. Ask yourself what your heart needs and how you can use your story to uplift others. The most beautiful missions often come from the most difficult moments. Remember, one day can change your whole life, especially if that day begins with hope.
