This is a call to Country Leaders and Education Ministers to acknowledge that we are failing our future generations if we do not put values at the heart of our education system. Hence, the need to adopt the following Universal Declaration for Values in Education:

"We believe that the social, cultural, and economic well-being of every society depends on the values that inspire its citizens to care for their own physical, mental and emotional well-being, and the well-being of others. Values serve as the foundation for guiding and shaping our lives, and when they align with our actions, they create a sense of fulfilment, purpose, and happiness. These values are inherited from previous generations and also influenced by upbringing, nurturing, and other factors.

Happy social relationships are very crucial for individual wellbeing and a healthy community overall. Social networks such as family and friends, neighbours and workplace colleagues, other local engagements for the community are all related to our individual happiness. Living and working in and for such healthy communities enhances our individual wellbeing and also gives us a sense of purpose in life. 

Hence, it is essential that along with being mindful of our individual wellbeing, we must also focus on the overall wellbeing of communities around us. The best way to achieve this is by acting on our values for ourselves and our communities.

Every time a community goes through a crisis, be it environmental, economic, geo-political or even religious, we have seen that taking action on values to support a community get through those tragedies and challenges is the best way forward. It is important that we take not only action on our chosen values as an individual but also act on values to empower those around us in various communities.

To ensure sustainable development and nurturing of these values, it is crucial to have an education system that is centred around them. This would also help create values-based culture, aligned to the values of all members of the community.  All policies, structures and routines should be embedded with values, and when the teaching community also model these values, they engender trust and harmony in communities. By integrating values into academic instruction in our nurseries, schools, colleges, universities and other educational bodies, we can raise empathetic, responsible, compassionate and accountable citizens who understand the importance of their actions and interactions with others. 

Recognizing the impact of values on nation-building, it is essential for governments worldwide to prioritize the awareness and practice of values in all aspects of their educational systems.

As the signatories of this Universal Declaration, we request governments to firmly commit to embedding values at all levels and forms of education, starting from early childhood education to tertiary education and beyond. In order to achieve this, the following steps are recommended:

1.     Implement an education system based on local and global values: Each country should develop an education system that includes a values-based mindset. This education system should be transformational such that it reflects specific local cultural, social, and moral values along with universal values common to all human beings. This will foster a sense of identity and pride in the citizens. At the same time, promote the preservation of national heritage, global feeling of unity and connection for all.

2.     Ensure buy-in from various stakeholders: To integrate values into education, it is crucial to involve and gain support from key stakeholders such as teachers, support staff, parents, and students. Teachers, in particular, play a vital role as role models. Hence, they should be empowered and trained to effectively promote these values in classrooms. 

3.     Integrate values into the curriculum: Values should be integrated into the curriculum across all subjects and grade levels. There should be a deliberate focus on elements of Seva or service to others to cultivate a strong sense of self, community, and the overall well-being of all individuals involved. 

4.     Periodical reviews and revisions: Regular feedback from responsible stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, and other forms of assessment, should be conducted to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to the education system. This ensures, values being taught remain relevant and effective and practised by the learners in their daily lives.

5.     Emphasize global applicability: While each country has its own unique values, it is important to emphasize the global applicability of these values in education. Highlighting how these values contribute to creating a compassionate, empathetic, and responsible society, regardless of cultural, religious, or national differences, fosters a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. This aligns with the purpose of international forums such as the G20, which strive for peace and prosperity.

By implementing these recommendations, governments can effectively promote and nurture strong human values through education, leading to a more harmonious and prosperous society."

[Note: This Universal Declaration is authored by Asohan Satkunasingham Country Ambassador, World Values Day and Chair, Persatuan Usahasama Perkembangan Ukhuwah, @ PUPUK, Malaysia and co-authored by Charles Fowler Chair, Human Values Foundation and Global Coordinator, World Values Day and Minal Kering, Country Ambassador India, World Values Day and Head, International Alliances, Val-Ed Initiatives, India. Also recognizing the valuable advice from Dr. Neil Hawkes, Founder of International Values-based Education Trust (IVET) & Values-based Education (VbE) and Chair, Living Values Education (LIVE), British Isles. This Declaration aims to get the attention of Country Leaders or their respective Education Ministers to pledge in embedding values in their respective country's education system.]