Social Innovation Park is proud to be the Singapore country chair for Global Dignity, an international non-profit organisation. October 2022 marks the month where we join hands with our global counterparts to celebrate Global Dignity Day. Dignity is fundamental to what we do- as recognising that everyone is equal in their humanity and equally deserving forms the basis and need for social innovation and social entrepreneurship in the first place.
Global Dignity is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to building a world where compassion, understanding and love triumph over intolerance, injustice and inequality. The organisation was founded by H.R.H Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, at the World Economic Forum in 2005. It aims to “instill a positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value in young people that will guide them as they grow“.
Through its annual Global Dignity Day in October and year-round Dignity Workshops, Global Dignity engages more than one million young people in 80 countries each year.
“Global Dignity teaches the concept of dignity—every person’s equal and inherent value—to promote inclusion, equality and a greater sense of our shared humanity.”
This year, we are honoured to join the cause to amplify the voice of Global Dignity by sharing the links to free resources and educational content on Teaching Dignity:
1. Global Dignity Day 2022 message from co-founder, Pekka Himanen
Co-founder, Pekka Himanen, spent Global Dignity Day with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Pekka shared this special Global Dignity Day message from Dharamsala:
Happy Global Dignity Month!
I’m at an event with the Dalai Lama to advance dignity and love.
Dalai Lama says: “it is the inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for … dignity” and that they have that right. Here in the melting Himalayas we are reminded that we must remember that future generations also have the right to lead a dignified life and that includes environment and its dignity. We don’t inherit nature from our parents, we borrow it from our children. The stone age didn’t end in the shortage of stones, but in a revolution of mind.
Now is the time for the revolution of dignity and love!
2. World’s Largest Lesson introduces students to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and unites them in action.
Image credit: World’s Largest Lesson
World’s Largest Lesson promotes the use of the Sustainable Development Goals in learning so that children can contribute to a better future for all. From citizenship and justice to climate change and the environment, inspire children to make a difference! Discover free resources which includes a toolkit of activities for students to partake in, lessons plans to encourage action for education, and more!
Bonus: Digital storybook titled “The Tree of Hope” – a story centred around the theme of “Protecting Planet Earth” and the journey of a girl who makes a difference to benefit her whole community.
Image credit: Teaching Tools by Global Dignity
In this chapter, Global Dignity co-founder Pekka Himanen makes the case for why the principles and values behind dignity form such a powerful foundation for efforts to protect the environment and create sustainable economies, tackle inequality and create vibrant, safe communities.
“How Does Your Dignity Feel?” is a downloadable poem/coloring book to help children understand dignity. Unfortunately, there are millions of children who cannot access digital materials, because of poverty, armed conflict or displacement. Click here to send colouring books to kids, and help them see that they matter and have dignity!
5. Song entitled “Dignity”
Image Credit: YouTube
The song was written and composed by musician Dave Stewart and lyrical hip-hop artist Nadirah X in support of Global Dignity. “Dignity” captures the great spectrum of ways in which people can express dignity and have a positive impact on the world.
6. Take the Global Dignity Pledge
“I pledge to join with others to create a world where compassion, understanding and love triumph over intolerance, injustice and inequality. I pledge to be kind and open-minded, honoring the unique gifts and value of others.”
Source: Global Dignity
***