A blue text on a white background stating October 16 Global Dignity DayBegun in 2009 by Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, John Hope Bryant, and Pekka Himanen, Global Dignity Day seeks to move beyond what divides the world in order to recognize every person’s inherent value and humanity. It began with a small workshop in Switzerland and has since grown into a global initiative with participants from over 80 countries, reaching more than 3 million people through events, workshops, and learning experiences.

Global Dignity Day promotes the idea that dignity is both an inherent quality but also a shared responsibility. Dignity is a universal human right that transcends borders, cultures, and religions. We each deserve to be treated respectfully, and we also have the duty to uphold the dignity of others. On Global Dignity Day, events across the world encourage people to explore and express what dignity means to them. They create opportunities for individuals to share their personal stories of dignity, reflect on how their actions affect others, and commit to making positive changes in their own lives and communities. Global Dignity Day is not only a celebration of human worth but also a call to action for people to contribute to a more inclusive and respectful world.

To learn more about human dignity, please visit the book display on the third floor of the Library.