Youth Summit Generates 850 Action Points for #GlobaliseCompassion Movement

The inaugural Youth Summit on Human Fraternity & Compassion, jointly hosted by the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC) and the Zayed Awards for Human Fraternity (ZAHF), in Viratnagar, Rajasthan from 30 September to 2 October 2023, witnessed the development of a framework for compassion in action by over 500 global youth leaders.

The summit aimed to facilitate an open dialogue among diverse stakeholders, inspiring a commitment to embrace compassion to heal our fractured world. Significant emphasis was placed on globalising compassion by integrating it into policymaking. The inaugural summit fostered unity among varied groups, cultures, and belief systems, underlining the shared humanity that binds us all.

During an interfaith dialogue, which saw the participation of faith leaders from all major religious groups and sects, an emphasis was placed on them to take the lead with compassion to create a more tolerant and harmonious society that places greater emphasis on humanity than religion.

Participants expressed that love, kindness, empathy and equality remain at the core of compassion. Stressing the importance of inclusivity, regardless of socioeconomic status, caste, gender or religious bias, they highlighted the need for compassionate action to address systemic injustices, alleviate suffering and promote social cohesion.

Reflections by these youth leaders culminated in individual commitments to expand the circle of human fraternity and ignite sparks of compassion. Nearly 500 change-makers made specific commitments to globalise and create actionable compassion for others in their community.

In total, 875 varied compassionate action points were pledged which included inspiring people to undertake compassionate deeds in schools, utilise Bal Mitra Gram (BGM), Bal Mitra Mandal (BMM), and Panchayats in raising awareness and developing compassion in action both within and outside their communities, spread the word of compassion on Children’s Day (November 14) and various festivals for not just human beings but also towards saving the ecology.

The summit concluded resonating with the message of compassion being the guiding force to effect a positive change in the world. Mr Kailash Satyarthi reiterated this sentiment and said, “Compassion is not just a soft power. It can be the spark which has the power to illuminate the world, and create a brighter future.”

SMGC is a global movement to ignite ‘Compassion in Action’ in the world. It is born out of four decades of Kailash Satyarthi’s revolutionary life and path-breaking endeavours as a social reformer. SMGC will work to promote compassion in all areas of society, from education to business to government. It will also work to build bridges between different cultures, and religions and promote peace and understanding worldwide.

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an independent global award that celebrates individuals and institutions breaking down societal division and strengthening human connection. With a monetary prize of USD 1 million, the award is an annual event held on February 4th in conjunction with the UN-recognised International Day of Human Fraternity.