Championing Human Duties
Support the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders and Celebrate International Human Duties Day on July 10th.
What is the International
Human Duties Initiative?
At the heart of this initiative is the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders, launched in 2022 by JCI. This declaration outlines seven fundamental responsibilities that leaders and individuals should uphold to promote a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. These principles serve as a framework for ethical leadership and collective action.
To institutionalize these values, JCI is spearheading the establishment of International Human Duties Day (IHDD) on July 10. This global observance encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to take concrete actions in advancing human duties alongside human rights. Through community engagement, policy dialogues, educational campaigns, and advocacy efforts, these opportunities fosters a culture of shared responsibility and ethical governance.
JCI’s strategy includes a petition campaign, which has already gained significant
global support, and a push for governmental proclamations to secure formal recognition of the initiative at both national and international levels. The ultimate goal is to present a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to officially recognize July 10 as International Human Duties Day.
By advancing this initiative, JCI aims to inspire global responsibility, ethical leadership, and civic engagement, ensuring that human duties become an integral part of policymaking, education, and societal progress.
Our Mission
We believe that leadership is not just about rights, but also about duties. Through advocacy, education, and community-driven action, the IHD Initiative seeks to:
Raise awareness
About the role of human duties and global progress
Empower leaders
To uphold ethical governance and social responsibility
Mobilize collective action
To institutionalize human duties at a global level
Advocate for policy change
Including the official recognition of July 10 as International Human Duties Day (IHDD)
Our principles: The seven duties of Leaders
The Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders outlines key responsibilities for leaders to promote respect for human rights and responsibilities, aiming to create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
- Preserve Life: Protect human dignity, care for personal and community health, and promote peace and prosperity for all
- Serve Humanity: Respect, care for, and honor all individuals, with special attention to children and elders. Contribute to a safe and fair community
- Sustain for the Future: Protect the environment, preserve ecosystems, and choose sustainable practices to benefit future generations
- Pursue Prosperity: Support economic growth by preserving the freedom to pursue enterprise and adding value to the economy and society through volunteer work and other initiatives
- Respect Human Personality: Cherish diverse opinions, preserve cultural heritage, and promote equity and inclusion for all individuals
- Educate Yourself, Teach Others: Ensure access to education for all, support talent development, and use knowledge to uplift others
- Lead Responsibly: Exercise freedom of expression responsibly, protect the interests of both majorities and minorities, create an environment of mutual respect, and promote and respect human rights
The Seven Duties of Leaders and SDGs Alignments
Human Duties play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By embracing each of the 7 duties outlined in The Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders, we can make significant strides toward realizing the SDGs while ensuring that no one is left behind.
PRINCIPLE 1Preserve life & SDG 3: Good health and well-being
Protecting human dignity and promoting long-term peace, inclusion, and prosperity are essential for ensuring good health and well-being for all. By upholding this duty, we can foster environments where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life
- PRINCIPLE 2
Serve Humanity & SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Respecting and caring for every individual while contributing to safe and fair communities directly supports the creation of just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. This duty reinforces our commitment to peace, justice, and strong institutions, ensuring that our communities are equitable and secure.
- PRINCIPLE 3
Sustain for the Future & SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life On Land
Protecting the physical environment and preserving ecosystems through sustainable practices are crucial for combating climate change and protecting life on land. This duty emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and environmental stewardship to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
- PRINCIPLE 4
Pursue Prosperity & SDG8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
Encouraging the freedom to pursue enterprise and contribute value to the economy and society fosters economic growth and the creation of decent jobs for all. By upholding this duty, we support economic opportunities that promote prosperity and equitable development.
- PRINCIPLE 5
Respect Human Personality & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Valuing diverse opinions, cultural heritage, and embracing diversity in all forms contribute to reducing inequalities within and among countries. This duty helps create a more inclusive world where every individual’s rights and identity are respected.
- PRINCIPLE 6
Educate Yourself and Teach Others & SDG 4: Quality Education
Promoting equitable education, equal opportunity, and the development of human talent are fundamental to achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all. This duty underscores the importance of education in empowering individuals and communities.
- PRINCIPLE 7
Lead Responsibly & SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Exercising and protecting individual freedom of expression while creating environments of mutual respect uphold and promote human rights. This duty is essential for fostering strong institutions and democratic governance.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Celebrating the impact of International Human Duties Day—milestones that shaped a movement and achievements that continue to inspire global action.
Read the full document hereThe Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders
A framework outlining essential responsibilities for ethical leadership.
IHDD Activation ToolkitInternational Human Duties Day (IHDD) – July 10th Celebrations
Join the global movement on July 10th to recognize and celebrate International Human Duties Day (IHDD), a day dedicated to promoting the responsibilities we all share.
Join our In-person SessionsWorldwide Engagement
Educational workshops, community service projects, and awareness campaigns.
access the proclamation guidelineGovernment Proclamations & Advocacy
A shift from citations to proclamations, driving official recognition at the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly). Support the cause by getting your government involved through a proclamation.
How You Can Get Involved
Together, we can institutionalize responsibility, strengthen ethical leadership, and create a more accountable world
- Sign the petition here >
Sign the Petition
Over 35,000+ signatures gathered to advocate for official recognition of IHDD. The goal this year is to reach 100,000 signatures.
- More info >
Join as a Partner
Collaborate with us to promote ethical leadership and sustainable impact
- Initiative's Branding >
Raise Awareness
Share the message of responsibility and leadership in your community
- Award Participation Criteria >
Take part in the "Best Human Duties Project Award"
Recognizing outstanding local projects that champion human duties
- Submit Activations >
Report Your IHDD – July 10th. Activations
Share your July 10th activities to showcase global celebration of International Human Duties Day (IHDD).
- Submit Proclamation >
Report Your signed IHDD Proclamation
Report your signed IHDD proclamation to showcase global recognition and community commitment to human responsibilities.
Stay Informed
Get the latest news and updates related to the International Human Duties Initiative!
