A few key principles compose the foundation of human values upon which societies and cultures around the world have been established. They are also fundamental to religions, humanism and other belief systems.

These can be summarised as: respect, tolerance, acceptance, generosity, caring for others and the planet, peace, dignity, sharing a sense of belonging, integrity and love.

They rely on:

• The innate dignity of human life
• Respect and consideration for the "other"
• The interconnection between humankind and the environment and thus the need to care for and preserve the earth
• The importance of integrity and service
• An attitude of non-violence
• The individual and collective quest for peace and happiness

The new movement to identify and promote these common human values arises largely from globalisation, which is now affecting all corners of the world. Increased mobility brings much greater contact and interaction between different races, cultures and creeds with attendant problems of, misunderstanding, prejudice, discrimination and resultant conflict.

The uniformity brought by globalisation also threatens the diversity and richness of human cultures around the world with their distinctive qualities, traditions and character. In all our endeavours we seek to celebrate and uphold such cultural diversity.

On the other hand, increased contact between peoples and nations enhances awareness of our kinship and the shared code of ethics and conduct that underlies all civilization. These values must now be promoted to create a common vision and means for moving forward toward a more peaceful and sustainable world.

In IAHV we run various initiatives to promote human values in very practical term across all areas of society for social and individual enhancement. We also seek to create an awareness of the positive influence that human values can have in confronting many of the problems that face the world today.