Championing Human Duties
Support the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders and celebrate International Human Duties Day (IHDD) on July 10 — a day dedicated to advancing shared responsibility, ethical leadership, and sustainable progress.
What is the International Human
Duties Initiative?
The International Human Duties Initiative, led by Junior Chamber International (JCI), promotes the idea that human rights must be complemented by human duties.
Launched in 2022, the initiative builds on the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders — a global framework outlining seven guiding Duties of Leaders that inspire ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and sustainable development.
Through education, advocacy, and collective action, JCI mobilizes leaders, organizations, and governments to institutionalize responsibility as a cornerstone of peace, justice, and human dignity.
Our Global Impact
60,000+
petition signatures advocating for IHDD recognition
1 national law
inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders
100+ JCI Local Organizations
actively engaged in IHDD celebrations
3+ years
of global leadership commitment advancing human duties
Background and Evolution
The International Human Duties Initiative began as a visionary effort to integrate the concept of human duties into the global leadership dialogue. It reflects JCI’s commitment to fostering a world where responsibility and rights coexist as equal foundations for progress.
Timeline of Key Milestones
2022 – Under the leadership of JCI President Argenis Angulo
- Appointment of the Human Duties Committee:
The first international Human Duties Committee was formally established to oversee the development, promotion, and global coordination of the proposal.
- Adoption of the Declaration:
The Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders was unanimously approved during the JCI World Congress in Hong Kong (October 31–November 3, 2022), attended by over 500 in-person delegates and 3,500 online participants, marking a historic milestone.
- Incorporation into the JCI Constitution:
The concept of Human Duties was officially incorporated into the JCI Constitution, affirming its importance as a global leadership framework.
2023 – Under the leadership of JCI President Viktor Ómarsson
- Appointment of the Human Duties Committee:
The second international Human Duties Committee was established to continue global coordination and promotion of the movement.
- Endorsement by the Ban Ki-moon Centre:
The Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens and the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, formally endorsed the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders, recognizing its significance for responsible leadership worldwide.
2024 – Under the leadership of JCI President Kaveen Kumar Kumaravel
- International Human Duties Day (IHDD):
The International Human Duties Initiative led to the global campaign to establish July 10 as International Human Duties Day, highlighting the importance of human duties alongside human rights and encouraging leaders and citizens to honor their responsibilities to society and the planet.
To formalize recognition of this observance, a global signature campaign was launched on January 24, 2024, mobilizing support across sectors and regions. JCI Local Organizations around the world hosted workshops, volunteer activities, NGO coalitions, policy hackathons, youth forums, and digital campaigns to raise awareness and promote social harmony, environmental stewardship, and responsible leadership.
The first official International Human Duties Day celebration took place on July 1, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, following a week of community events that included a 5K Fun Run in Central Park, tree stewardship projects, a Times Square activation, and an art exhibition, all reinforcing the shared values that unite humanity.
- Signature Campaign:
A global petition to establish the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders was launched, fostering a global culture of responsibility, empathy, and action. The campaign had gathered over 60,000 signatures worldwide, underscoring the belief that human responsibilities are as vital as human rights.
2025 – Under the leadership of JCI President Keisuke Shimoyamada
- Launch of the International Human Duties Website:
This website was launched as a global platform to promote the Human Duties concept, showcase worldwide engagement, and facilitate organizational and governmental adhesion.
- First Human Duties Law in the World:
The State of Zulia, Venezuela, officially approved the first Human Duties Law, inspired by the JCI Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders. This law legally establishes the Human Duties of citizens, marking a historic milestone in translating the vision into concrete public policy.
Our Mission
Leadership is not only about rights — it is also about duties.
International Human Duties Initiative seeks to:
Raise awareness
about the importance of human duties in achieving global progress
Empower leaders
to uphold the seven Duties of Leaders through ethical governance and civic responsibility
Mobilize collective action
to institutionalize human duties at national and international levels
Advocate for policy change
including official UN recognition of July 10 as International Human Duties Day (IHDD)
The Seven Duties of Leaders
The Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders promotes and supports seven guiding Duties of Leaders — principles that define ethical and responsible leadership:
- 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
Moral Leadership in Action
A Message of Support from H.E Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and Co-chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC)
We are honored to share that H.E Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and Co-chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC), has officially endorsed the International Human Duties Initiative.
In his powerful message, Ban Ki-moon reminds us that true leadership is rooted in responsibility, not power. He praised the Initiative and its Seven Duties of Leaders as a moral compass for those who strive to lead by example.
Highlighting the strong alignment between the Duties and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, he calls on global citizens to act with both passion and compassion.
His endorsement strengthens our resolve to present the International Human Duties for resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, advocating for the adoption of a Universal Declaration of Human Duties and the official recognition of July 10 as International Human Duties Day. Together, we move forward in pursuit of a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Alignment with the Pact for the Future and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The International Human Duties Initiative aligns with the UN Pact for the Future and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting shared responsibility and ethical action as cornerstones of sustainable development.
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.
Global Action and Resources
Celebrating collective progress and inspiring continued engagement for a world built on shared responsibility.
Read the full document hereThe Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders
The foundation of the movement, this Declaration outlines the seven Duties of Leaders — a framework for ethical and responsible leadership adopted by JCI in 2022.
IHDD Activation ToolkitInternational Human Duties Day (IHDD) – July 10th Celebrations
Join the global observance of International Human Duties Day (IHDD) each July 10 — a day dedicated to promoting the responsibilities we all share toward one another and our planet.
Access resources to organize your own celebration or community event.
Join our In-person SessionsWorldwide Engagement
Across continents, JCI Local and National Organizations, together with global partners, lead workshops, service projects, forums, and awareness campaigns that promote social harmony, environmental stewardship, and responsible leadership.
Join the movement and take part in upcoming activities within your community or region.
access the proclamation guidelineGovernment Proclamations & Advocacy
Help us turn recognition into action.
Governments and institutions worldwide are shifting from citations to proclamations — formally recognizing July 10 as International Human Duties Day and integrating Human Duties into national frameworks.Learn how to engage policymakers and secure official support in your country.
How You Can Get Involved
Together, we can make responsibility a global value.
- Review campaing data >
Signature Campaign Progress
Stay updated on our collective impact and follow the global campaign to achieve formal recognition of International Human Duties Day (IHDD) by the United Nations General Assembly.
- More info >
Join as a Partner
Collaborate with us to promote ethical leadership and sustainable impact through joint programs, advocacy, and events.
- Initiative's Branding >
Raise Awareness
Spread the message of responsibility and leadership within your community by using the official campaign visuals and materials.
- Award Participation Criteria >
Take part in the "Best Human Duties Project Award"
Celebrate and showcase outstanding local projects that champion human duties and community impact.
- Submit Activations >
Report Your IHDD – July 10th. Activations
Share your July 10 celebrations, events, and local actions to highlight how your community supports the global observance of International Human Duties Day (IHDD).
- Submit Proclamation >
Report Your signed IHDD Proclamation
Showcase your country or community’s official recognition of International Human Duties Day and contribute to global tracking of proclamations and commitments.
News and Articles
Stay informed with the latest updates, success stories, and thought pieces from around the world as we advance the message of shared responsibility and ethical leadership.
Explore Articles and Updates ›
Stay Informed
Receive updates, milestones, and opportunities to support the International Human Duties Initiative.
