Reality (Fact-Based)
Reason (Objectivity)
Independent Thinking
Productivity
Honesty
Integrity
Justice (Fairness)
Pride
Self-Esteem (Self-Motivation)
Teamwork/Mutual (Supportiveness)
A few key principles compose the foundation of human values upon which societies have been established.
The innate dignity of human life
Respect and consideration for the "other"
The interconnection between humankind and the environment and thus the need to care for and preserve the earth
The importance of integrity and service
An attitude of non-violence
The individual and collective quest for peace and happiness
The movement to identify and promote the values shared by societies around the world is relatively new. It is only in recent years as globalization extended its reach to even remote corners of the earth that the need to refocus and build upon what we as a human society have in common, has become apparent.
Economic and social globalization has yielded positive as well as negative effects. On the one hand, cultures around the world are threatened by the uniformity that globalization brings. They are struggling to maintain their identities, their distinctive qualities, traditions and character that provide a unique contribution to human history. Globalization has been seen to endanger cultural diversity and this would be a tragic loss for humankind.
On the other hand, increased contact between peoples and nations enhances awareness of our kinship and the shared code of ethics and conduct that underlies all civilization. It is these values that we must now promote to create a common vision and means for moving forward toward a more peaceful and sustainable world.
The success of globalization may in the future be judged by our ability to maintain our cultural distinctions while giving birth to a new understanding of global community. A new sense of unity will thus emerge to battle the current threats to human security and the security of our natural environment.
