Universal Declaration of Human Values

As Proposed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This document, developed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, represents his vision for a fresh approach to fostering understanding and harmonious coexistence among different peoples and cultures, and fulfilling the purposes for which the United Nations was formed. It is in the form of a proposed resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations. It is hoped that, in due course, member States will formally bring this document forward to the United Nations, in accordance with normal General Assembly processes and channels, for discussion, adoption, and subsequent implementation.
It is Sri Sri’s intention that this proposed Declaration serve as a tool to begin a global discussion of the crucial issues it raises.

The United Nations General Assembly,

Recognizing the paramount importance of harmonious coexistence among different peoples;

Acknowledging the urgent need to bring about understanding among different cultures and civilizations and to foster harmony in diversity throughout the world;

Deeply concerned by increasing conflict and violence around the globe;

Determined to address the root causes of this increasing conflict and violence;

Recognizing that much of the conflict and violence today is attributable to religious and ethnic divisions and misunderstanding;

Recalling that the United Nations was formed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of the human person, as set out in the Preamble of the United Nations Charter;

Reaffirming our commitment to the purposes of the United Nations that include maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and achieving international cooperation in encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, as set out in Article 1 of the United Nations Charter;

Emphasizing our commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which constitutes a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations, as well as our commitment to the subsequent existing international human rights instruments;

Recognizing that grave human rights violations continue around the world, despite more than half a century of efforts to achieve human rights and fundamental freedoms for all;

Reaffirming our commitment to the United Nations Millennium Declaration, adopted on September 8, 2000;

Recalling that the United Nations Millennium Declaration sets out a number of basic societal values considered essential to international relations in the 21st century, as well as specific objectives to be achieved consistent with these values in key areas which include peace, security and disarmament; development and poverty eradication; protecting our common environment; human rights and good governance; protecting the vulnerable; and meeting the special needs of Africa;

Determined to achieve the goals and objectives of the Millennium Declaration, including universal human rights, despite serious challenges that the world now faces in doing so;

Recognizing that we must broaden our vision and readjust our strategies in order to foster mutual respect and understanding among different cultures and civilizations, enabling the achievement of the commitments made in the past;

Acknowledging the urgent need to address the spiritual aspect of human existence in order to achieve harmonious coexistence among diverse peoples, realize universal human rights, and fulfill the purposes for which the United Nations was formed;

Appealing to that same universal Divine consciousness and power that is at the core of all the world’s religions for assistance and support in this crucial endeavor,

Solemnly proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Values.

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