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Global Dignity Day Celebrated by One Million Students in 80 Countries

October 20, 2021 – Today thousands of students and young leaders in Canada gathered to celebrate Global Dignity Day alongside one million of their peers in 80 countries. The keynote speakers of the day included Global Dignity Co-Founder, HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Co-Founder of the Malala Fund, Mr. Ziauddin Yusafzai and Inuk Role Model, Katelynn Herchak.

“At its core, dignity is about the value of every human life. It is the key to building understanding across the things that might seem to divide us. The colour of our skin, our gender, sexual orientation, religion or where we come from,” said Crown Prince Haakon of Norway in a video message.

This year’s global event, hosted by TakingITGlobal and the Queen Elizabeth Center for Global Education, linked participants from 10 sites in nine countries through a live video-conference.

The participating sites included:

  • AlixPartners, London, United Kingdom
  • TakingITGlobal, Toronto, Canada
  • Agrupamento de Escolas Dr Alberto Iria, Olhão, Portugal
  • Dr. Binnaz Ege Dr. Rıdvan Ege Anatolian High School, Ankara, Turkey
  • Colegio Humanístico Costarricense Campus Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
  • Colégio Magno, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Colegio San Nicolás & The Global School, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • St. Austin’s Academy, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Government Model Secondary School Jikwoyi, Abuja, Nigeria
  • Queen Elizabeth High School, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

“We can’t achieve the worthy goal of securing every human being’s dignity without respecting their identity,” said Co-founder of the Malala Fund, Mr. Ziauddin Yusafzai. “It is our governments’ responsibility to introduce and implement laws that guarantee every citizen’s right to equal dignity irrespective of their class, colour, faith, ethnicity and gender. More importantly, as a community we can’t protect the dignity of our fellow human beings without building a strong culture of kindness and compassion.”

The theme of the event focused on identity and kindness, with an effort to invite students to build inclusive global communities rooted in kindness. This theme builds on Global Dignity’s ongoing #UniteKindness campaign, which aggregates and showcases kindness campaigns around the world.

Since the launch of the #UniteKindness campaign in May of 2020, over 2 million acts of kindness have been aggregated across 40 kindness campaigns. It also includes special projects such as Time to Pause by acclaimed photographer and member of Global Dignity’s International Council of Advisors, Alistair Morrison; and KindWorlds and Quest, designed and executed by LembasWorks.

“Kindness is the cultural fabric that enables greater dignity,” said Global Dignity Board Chair and Canadian Country Chair, Giovanna Mingarelli. “This campaign shows us how easy it is to love oneself, others and the world in really simple ways, from donating food to voting on election day.”

The event featured influencers and the work of creative change makers, including: international singer, song writer, Morris Hayes; internationally acclaimed entertainment for impact innovators, LembasWorks Co-Founder & Founder of Quest, Tara Baswani; visual artist, writer, filmmaker and curator, Assinajaq Weetaluktuk; artist and youth role model with Inclusion in Northern Research, Theodore (Ted) Thompson; Global Dignity International Council of Advisors, human rights activist and Ms World America, Cassandra Wallace; Executive Director of the Centre for Global Education, Terry Godwaldt; and Co-founder of TakingITGlobal, Jennifer Corriero, to name a few.

“We all have gifts and we as Indigenous youth inherently carry inter-generational strength, resiliency and knowledge,” said Katelynn Herchak, an Inuk role model with expertise in justice studies, Indigenous knowledge, governance and decolonization.

Generous event sponsors included: TakingItGlobal, the Centre for Global Education, Global Groove for Peace, LembasWorks, Pondstone Digital Marketing, M&C Consulting, Hello Friday Marketing and Communications, Ard Financial Group, and MC2, Inc. AlixPartners also kindly offered their office space to host the Global Dignity Board Chair.

Co-founded at the World Economic Forum by HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant and author and philosopher Pekka Himanen, 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. Since 2006, the organization has reached over 4 million young people around the globe.

More information and details of the international celebration live stream can be found at: www.globaldignity.ca.

Statement by the Prime Minister on Global Dignity Day

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Global Dignity Day in Canada:

“Today, students and young people in Canada are marking Global Dignity Day. On this day, we reaffirm that everyone – regardless of who they are or where they come from – deserves a fair and equal chance at success, and acknowledge that together, we still have a lot of work to do in achieving a fairer and more inclusive world.

“This year, the Global Dignity movement’s #UniteKindness campaign aims to connect young people around the world through positive actions during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign is also a reminder to be kind to one’s self and to others. Demonstrating that by being there for others and by showing compassion, and recognizing everyone’s worth, we can appreciate that everybody deserves dignity – no matter their identity, beliefs, or circumstances.

» Read the full statement on pm.gc.ca

Youth celebrate Global Dignity with inclusive international kitchen party

Today students and young leaders from Canada, the United States, Finland, Kenya, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Pakistan, gathered to celebrate Global Dignity Day with a good old-fashioned virtual Acadian kitchen party.

More than one hundred locations of students participated in the event via the YouTube live-stream.

“The voices of our living ecosystems led by future generations rising together in a quest for shared dialogue and harmony; this, to me, is the sound of global dignity and today, we start to orchestrate it together, as one family,”

Tara Baswani

“Our international Canadian kitchen party celebrated three things: music, food and dignity,” said Terry Godwaldt, Global Dignity National Event Chair, Executive Director for The Center for Global Education and lead singer of the east coast Fiddle Street Band. “These are three life forces that flow through every human. Sustaining us, nourishing us and binding all of humanity as a family.”

Read the full article on NorthernInclusion.ca

Global Dignity Day in Canada Celebrated with International Kitchen Party

Today students and young leaders from Canada, the United States, Kenya, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Pakistan, gathered to celebrate Global Dignity Day with a good old fashioned virtual Acadian kitchen party. Approximately 30,000 students participated in the event via the YouTube live-stream.

“Our international Canadian kitchen party celebrated three things: music, food and dignity,” said Terry Godwaldt, Global Dignity National Event Chair, Executive Director for The Center for Global Education and lead singer of the east coast Fiddle Street Band . “These are three life forces that flow through every human. Sustaining us, nourishing us and binding all of humanity as a family.”

The event linked six elementary and high school sites with influencers and creative change makers via Zoom from the comfort of their kitchens. Participants were invited to play homemade instruments and learn the traditional Canadian Voyageur folk song En roulant from world class musicians.

“I am so delighted to take part in my very first Canadian kitchen party!” said singer songwriter, Morris Hayes, former musical director for the late artist, Prince, and founder of Global Groove for Peace. “This event brings dignity and peace to the world through a globally-infused, modern symphony, masterfully orchestrated by youth across continents.”

The event featured an opening Indigenous prayer of thanksgiving and a performance of The Voice of Freedom by University of Alberta Ph.D. student, Anna Wilson. Global Dignity’s National Role Model and Indigenous Cultural Ambassador, Amy Lacroix, shared her dignity story about cultural inclusion, sacred traditions and the great value of understanding one’s roots.

“I come from a lineage of Sixties Scoop, residential school and foster care survivors,” said Ms. Lacroix. “Learning about my heritage led me to understand where I came from, and how the dignity a person feels can be closely connected to identity. Meeting my family gave me pride in myself knowing that I come from an outstanding nation, and that who I am deserves dignity.”

Established in 2005, by HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant and Professor Pekka Himanen, Global Dignity is linked to the 2020 process of the World Economic Forum, in which leaders from politics, business, academia, and civil society join efforts to improve the state of the world.

Global Dignity is an independent, non-profit, non-political organization with the aim to instill a positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value in young people that will guide them as they grow, as well as promote the idea that every human being has the universal right to lead a dignified life. The organization supports 3 million youth in 80 countries.

“The voices of our living ecosystems led by future generations rising together in a quest for shared dialogue and harmony; this, to me, is the sound of global dignity and today, we start to orchestrated it together, as one family,” said Tara Baswani, internationally acclaimed performing artist, composer, Co-Founder of entertainment for impact agency, LembasWorks and entertainment innovator for Cirque du Soleil.

Global Dignity Day in Canada Celebrated with Launch of Kindness Campaign

October 21, 2020 – Today Global Dignity Canada is delighted to announce the launch of the 7 Days of Kindness social media campaign.This campaign, launched in honor of Global Dignity Day today, builds on the organization’s existing Unite Kindness initiative, designed for youth striving for a kinder world amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to data from Imaginable Futures and UNICEF last month, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted more than 91 per cent of students worldwide – around 1.5 billion children and young people at its peak in 2020.

Unite Kindness aggregates and showcases kindness campaigns from around the world all in one place. The goal is to make it easy for children and youth to join the extraordinary global kindness movement underway — alive in everyday acts of kindness, communities, workplaces, public spaces, on TV, the internet — and everywhere in between.

Since the launch of the Unite Kindness campaign, over 500,000 acts of kindness have been aggregated across 20 kindness campaigns, with a goal of reaching one million acts of kindness by the end of the year. It is being led internationally by Global Dignity’s Canadian Chair and International Board Member, Giovanna Mingarelli.

“I’m delighted to see the hundreds of thousands of acts of kindness people around the world are sharing everyday,” said Ms. Mingarelli . “ Kindness is an expression of love. This campaign shows us how easy it is to love oneself, others and the world in really simple ways, from painting a rock to voting on election day.”

To participate in Global Dignity Canada’s 7 Days of Kindness campaign, young people are invited to submit a photo or video of an act of kindness, a creative work, or ways they take care of their own physical or emotional wellbeing on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #UniteKindness. These actions could include helping a sibling with homework, playing a sport, painting a rock for the “Kindness Rocks” initiative, or donating food to a local soup kitchen.

The campaign will feature influencers and creative change makers, including: international singer, song writer, Morris Hayes; internationally acclaimed entertainment innovators and LembasWorks Co-Founders Tara Baswani and Remi Lemieux; LembasWorks youth artist Zoe Monast; Athletica Rewards Founder, Angella Goran; Indigenous Cultural Ambassador, Amy Lacroix; and Perttu Polonen, futurist, musician and author, to name a few.

“It’s important to put love and kindness into action: that’s what building inclusive communities is all about!” said Olivia Bechthold, the Executive Director of Global Dignity in Canada.

The 7 Days of Kindness campaign will culminate on October 28th during Global Dignity Canada’s national Global Dignity Day celebrations – a live streamed pan-Canadian kitchen party.

Established in 2005, by HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant and Professor Pekka Himanen, Global Dignity is linked to the 2020 process of the World Economic Forum, in which leaders from politics, business, academia, and civil society join efforts to improve the state of the world.

Global Dignity is an independent, non-profit, non-political organization with the aim to instill a positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value in young people that will guide them as they grow, as well as promote the idea that every human being has the universal right to lead a dignified life. The organization supports 3 million youth in 80 countries.

More information and details of the national celebration live stream can be found at www.globaldignity.ca.

Media Advisory: National Celebration of Global Dignity Day at the WE Global Learning Centre

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

 

Toronto, October 15th, 2019 – Tomorrow, Wednesday October 16th, thousands of Canadian students and young leaders will gather in celebration of Global Dignity Day to empower youth with dignity. Hosted at the WE Global Learning Centre, the globally streamed event will link ten sites and 2,000 students, from Kitigan Zibi, Ontario to Alaska, through a live video-conference. These students will join 1 million of their peers in more than 80 countries, to celebrate Global Dignity Day.

 

Highlights of the national celebration will include the following special guest speakers and performers:

  • Her Excellency The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada and Global Dignity Honorary Board Member

  • Jaden Lake, 2019 National Role Model, by way of his father the Hon. Mike Lake, Edmonton-Wetaskiwin Member of Parliament

  • Kara Eusebio, a Global Shaper and leader passionate about building inclusive communities;

  • Meagan Commonda, 2019 National Role Model and Indigenous Leader

  • Morris Hayes with a musical performance as part of the global peace building documentary World Symphony For Peace

 

Who: 2,000 students and teachers across ten sites in Canada

 

What: The international celebration of Global Dignity Day

 

When: October 16, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

Where: WE Global Learning Centre, 339 Queen St E Toronto, ON, M5A 1S9 Canada

See the following list for video-conference sites across Canada:

 

  • Soldotna Prep Soldotna, AK, USA

  • Queen Elizabeth High School, Calgary, Alberta

  • Mary Butterworth, Edmonton Alberta

  • Rothesay Saint John, New Brunswick

  • Sa-Hali Secondary, Kamloops, British Columbia

  • Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, Winnipeg, Manitoba

  • École du Carrefour, Halifax, Nova Scotia

  • Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan, Kitigan Zibi, Ontario

  • Invest Ottawa — Bayview Yards, Ottawa, Ontario

  • WE Global Centre for Education, Toronto, Ontario

 

Why: To empower individuals with the concept that every human being has the universal right to lead a dignified life

 

Established in 2005 by HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant and respected Finnish professor Pekka Himanen, Global Dignity is an independent, non-profit, non-political organization focused on empowering young people with dignity. It aims to inspire respect, self-esteem and tolerance of diversity, as well as promote the idea that every human being has the universal right to lead a dignified life. Visit our website at: www.globaldignity.ca.

 

For more information:

 

Lauren Fine

Media Liaison
Global Dignity Canada

media@globaldignity.ca

613-878-8968

Canadians Join One Million Students in Eighty Countries to Celebrate Global Dignity Movement

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Toronto, October 16th, 2019 – Today, Wednesday October 16th, thousands of Canadian students and young leaders gathered to celebrate Global Dignity Day alongside one million of their peers in 80 countries.

This year’s global event, hosted at the WE Global Learning Centre linked ten sites and 2,000 students, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, through a live video-conference. Approximately 30,000 students participated via live-stream in Canada.

“The theme of Global Dignity Day this year is centered on raising awareness about autism and building inclusive communities,” said Her Excellency The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada and Global Dignity Honorary Board Member.

“Today I was delighted to join students at l’École du Carrefour in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. For these young people from the province’s French-speaking and Acadian minority, being able to study in French is a part of a struggle for the respect of their dignity, heritage, history and identity. This right recognized in 1991 is an act of fundamental inclusion in the Nova Scotian and Canadian society.”
Highlights of the national celebration included the following special guest speakers and performers:
● Her Excellency The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada and Global Dignity Honorary Board Member
● Jaden Lake, 2019 National Role Model, by way of his father the Hon. Mike Lake, Global Dignity Champion and Edmonton-Wetaskiwin Member of Parliament
● Kara Eusebio, World Economic Forum Ottawa Global Shaper and leader passionate about building inclusive communities
● Meagan Commonda, 2019 National Role Model and the Indigenous Liaison for Canada’s Treasury Board Secretariat’s Talent Cloud

● Morris Hayes with a musical performance as part of the global peace building documentary World Symphony For Peace, with Finnish composer and Global Shaper, Perttu Polonen and singer songwriter, Jennie Laws

The guest speakers shared their dignity stories in Halifax, Toronto, Ottawa and Kitigan Zibi respectively. It also included a musical performance by Morris Hayes representing World Symphony For Peace.

 “In a world often divided by politics, religion and differing views, the message from Global Dignity Day this year is clear: to build a move dignified world, just love each other and be kind,” said Giovanna Mingarelli, the National Chair of Global Dignity in Canada and member of the international Board of Directors.

“Inclusion is an expression of love and kindness. Love yourself, love your family, love your pets. Be kind to your friends, neighbours and co-workers – it’s easy to do!”

The work of Global Dignity is guided by a simple set of principles, that every person:

● Has the right to pursue their purpose and meaning in life, and to reach their full potential
● Deserves to live in societies that provide humane access to education, health, income and security
● Has their life, identity and beliefs respected by others
● Has the responsibility to create the conditions for others to fulfill their potential, acting to strengthen the dignity of others, building a foundation of freedom, justice and peace for this, and future generations

● Believes that dignity in action means standing up against injustice, intolerance and inequality.

Partners of Global Dignity include: TakingITGlobal, the Queen Elizabeth Centre for Global Education, WE, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, YMCA Canada, Right To Play, the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, Kind Canada, Bright Minds Education and World Symphony for Peace.

“It’s important to put love and kindness into action: that’s what building inclusive communities is all about!” said Olivia Bechthold, the Executive Director of Global Dignity in Canada.

“You can show someone you love them by opening a door or helping them with their homework. It’s easy.”

Established in 2005, by HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant and Professor Pekka Himanen, Global Dignity is linked to the 2020 process of the World Economic Forum, in which leaders from politics, business, academia, and civil society join efforts to improve the state of the world.

Global Dignity is an independent, non-profit, non-political organization with the aim to instill a positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value in young people that will guide them as they grow, as well as promote the idea that every human being has the universal right to lead a dignified life.

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More information and a livestream of the video-conference can be viewed at www.globaldignity.ca.

For more information:

Lauren Fine, Media Liaison Global Dignity Canada | media@globaldignity.ca | 613-878-8968

Dignity Day art focuses on issues and solutions around homelessness

The John Humphrey Centre For Peace and Human Rights on Wednesday showcased art created for Dignity Day, with a focus on homelessness.

It’s the fourth year the centre has hosted annual Dignity Day events. Artworks created for the event were on display at iHuman Youth Society, along with speakers including the artists themselves.

Dignity Day, this year celebrated Oct. 16, is a global effort designed to recognize the dignity and humanity people share.

“When we talk about homelessness we always hear sad stories,” said Maigan van der Giessen, arts lead with the Edmonton-based John Humphrey Centre.

“We want to engage artists to share the power and vitality of everyday people who might be struggling with different circumstances, but have so much to bring to the table, so many wise words and real solutions when it comes to housing security in our city.

“Art is a very big piece of that puzzle.”

Three of four paintings on display were created by Chris “Day One” Carlson, who also took part two years ago.

“I’m an activist. I speak out for human rights.,” Carlson said. “I’ve helped with several charities across Western Canada. I really just believe in what they’re saying on homelessness, treating people better. The work that they do, I’m a big fan of.”

One painting by the Ponoka artist focused on people who give to the homeless but record themselves doing the good deed to post it on social media.

“I don’t see that as right,” he said. “I think you should just help somebody and then not look for praise for it. I don’t think you need to make a video, take a picture or pat yourself on the back too hard. So I believe you should just help people.”

Another painting shows two people in a tent in the cold, keeping warm through human contact.

The paintings will be on display at a Dignity Day event at the Aviary, 9314 111th Ave., on Wednesday at 7p.m.

The event will also feature live paintings, musical performances and a panel discussing homelessness issues and solutions.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/dignity-day-john-humphrey-1.5323674

GLOBAL DIGNITY DAY – STATEMENT BY THE LEADER OF THE LIBERAL PARTY

The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Global Dignity Day:

“Today, young people, students, teachers, and volunteers around the world will come together to celebrate the dignity inherent in all of us.

Global Dignity Day reminds us that everyone has the right to live in dignity. It’s about building a world where compassion and kindness win out over division and injustice – a world where everyone has a real and fair shot at success.

Advocates are working every day to build that world – and young people are leading that charge. Around the planet, they’re deepening our connections and creating a stronger global community – encouraging everyone to look beyond what divides us and celebrate the humanity we all share.

We have a lot to learn from our youngest leaders, who challenge us every day to do better and be better. Each day, we have the chance to make a difference, and put into practice values like kindness, generosity, openness, and respect. Even the smallest of actions can touch hearts and change lives.

As one of Global Dignity’s National Role Models, I encourage everyone to honour the inherent worth of others – today and every day. Let’s celebrate everything that unites us and lift each other up. Let’s look forward with hope – and move forward together.”

https://www.liberal.ca/global-dignity-day-statement-by-the-leader-of-the-liberal-party/