As a global family we share the same unique planet and share the same hopes and aspirations for a just and humane world. Yet, as we approach the dawn of the next millennium, we are concerned that life on earth is threatened.

Our beautiful planet is faced with a crisis of unprecedented magnitude. In many cultures, the moral fabric of society is challenged by violence, crime, addiction, denial of human rights and human dignity, and disintegration of family life.

At the same time, we, the people of the world, are yearning for peace and a better world for ourselves and our children. How is it, that with all the human skill and talent that exists, with all the achievements in technology, there is still grinding poverty, massive arms expenditure and a grave deterioration in the environment?

There is so much to be done and so many willing hands and hearts to do it.

What is needed is the spirit of cooperation and goodwill, the attitude of love and respect towards each other, the practice of positive and creative thinking, the application of moral and spiritual values in daily life, as well as action based on a shared vision of a better world.

Now is the time to call on the will and clear vision of the people.

The voice of the people must be heard. This Declaration is an acknowledegment that it is the people who, by their active participation and co-operation, can change the world.

The Peoples’ Vision

From the personal and group "visions" already received by the Global Co-operation Bank in 60 countries, the picture of a better world has begun to take shape. Based on an analysis of these inputs, the sort of world in which people would like to live includes the following characteristics:

In a Better World, the people have said that:

1)

There would be reverence for life.

2)

There would be recognition of, and respect for, the dignity and integrity of every human being.

3)

The environment would be clean, fresh and green, and in a state of ecological balance. There would be a sustainable relationship between population and resources.

4)

Every human being would be healthy and content in spirit, mind and body.

5)

Every human being would have shelter, food and water.

6)

All individuals would be at peace with themselves.

7)

There would be social, economic and political justice, as well as respect for human rights.

8)

There would be love, trust, friendship and understanding in all human relationships.

9)

Family life would be loving and fulfilling, and would contribute to the sense of the universal family living in harmony.

10)

All individuals would have equal opportunities for growth, educational progress and employment, with full encouragement to develop all their potentialities.

11)

Every individual would enjoy freedom of expression, movement and action, whilst respecting the liberties and rights of others.

12)

There would be open and frank communication at all levels of society.

13)

There would be honesty and a sense of responsibility within governing bodies in all sectors of society.

14)

There would be the commitment of governments to work for the welfare and advancement of people.

15)

There would be co-operation at local, national and international levels.

This vision of a better world will continue to evolve as more and more people contribute their "visions" to the Global Co-operation Bank.

The Principles of Co-operation

As participants at the Mt. Abu Summit, we have identified the following basic Principles of Co-operation which contribute towards the achievement and sustainability of effective co-operation at any level:

1)

In any endeavor the hopes, needs and common goals of those concerned are clearly identified and communicated.

2)

Co-operation between individuals and groups is a voluntary process based on tolerance, understanding, mutual benefit and respect.

3)

In every endeavor there is a sense of honesty and trust between partners in co-operation.

4)

Recognizing the fundamental dignity of each human being, all rise above narrow considerations and work together in a spirit of harmony.

5)

The process of co-operation is enhanced by the reduction of any tension through mental relaxation, positive thinking and quite reflection.

6)

The contribution of each person or group of people is considered integral to the accomplishment of any co-operative task.

7)

There is individual and collective responsibility in any co-operative decisions and actions.

8)

All listen and acknowledge the views and ideas of others in any co-operative task.

Any transformation of the world begins with the transformation of the self. For eventually, it is love, goodwill and co-operation which will overcome the negative forces threatening us and bring about the dawn of a new age.

People of all ages, cultures, ethnic backgrounds and religions should have a wider forum for the expression of their visions of a better world, and an opportunity to contribute their positive and innovative ideas and actions to the Global Co-operation Bank.

All activities carried out, and strategies employed, during the first year of Global Co-operation for a Better World should be continued. In particular, there should be emphasis on the introduction of the principles and process of co-operation into educational institutions, youth and women’s organizations, business firms, planning bodies, professional and social service organizations and all types of community associations. (See Annexure 1, Program of Action).

Therefore,

We call on the people of the world to unite and co-operate with each other to create a better world.

We pledge our support for the principles and objectives of the United Nations.

We believe that the era of negative thinking and confrontation which has given rise to the arms race and the consequent waste of human and economic resources must end. We must overcome apathy and inertia with courage and steadfast hope. In doing so, let us now, as instruments of peace, shape our own destiny and resolve to bring into reality a better world for all.

Annexure 1
Program of Action

Following the success of the many activities undertaken for Global Co-operation for a Better world during 1988, it was agreed that the primary thrust of initiatives to date will be focused towards 1990 and the creation of a "Global Vision" of a better world, and that new ways be developed to further progress Global Co-operation’s aims and objectives.

1)

All contributions made to Global Co-operation Bank will continue to be assessed and then communicated to the participants.

2)

Increased focus will be given to the participation of professionals in a series of Roundtable Dialogues, seminars, conferences and workshops so that their ideas, experiences and professional insights can contribute to the creation of a "Global Vision" by 1990.

3)

International Institutions and Bodies will be encouraged to integrate the Global Cooperation principles and process into their structures and working methods.

4)

Formal research into the methods and principles of co-operation will be encouraged, in order to further a deeper understanding of the co-operative process, and also to identify the role that co-operation plays in effecting peaceful conditions, resolutions of conflict and reduction in tension.

5)

Copies of the Mt. Abu Declaration will be presented to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to the Head of State and Governments, to Member States of the United Nations, to international Non-Governmental Organizations and to other leaders of various fields, with a view to appealing for their support in the implementation of the principles contained in the Declaration as well as its program of action.

6)

An appeal will be made to the people and governments of the world to adopt a "Day of Global Co-operation" in 1990 and thereafter, so that Global Co-operation may continue to be given international focus each year.

7)

A task force will be formed to develop a comprehensive "Project Program" and undertake feasibility studies of events and activities for recommended implementation on both international and national levels towards the creation and presentation of the "Global Vision" in 1990. This program would aim to focus the project with initiatives such as:

a) Global Co-operation Network
Promotion of dialogue and a sharing of ideas between individuals and amongst organizations that are participating in Global Co-operation for a Better World through the Global Co-operation Bank.

b) Global Co-operation Outreach
Support and encouragement for locally coordinated service projects. Further production and distribution of packs for specialized groups i.e. Schools, business, youth and community, etc. Utilization of international and national media to increase the dialogue between participants in Global Co-operation, and to discuss and present the "Global Vision" to the people and governments at the end of 1990.

c) Exchange programs
Development of Global Co-operation exchange programs between Sister/Twin Cities and Peace Messenger Cities.

d) Co-operation with United Nations projects
Feasibility of developing a closer association with United Nations work and activities in collaboration with, for instance, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Department of Public Information (DPI), and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Underlining the assessment of the above proposals is the commitment to continue to encourage in all participating countries the activities of Global Co-Operation for a Better World Project initiated during the period April 1988 to January 1989 – with particular emphasis on creative groups and co-operative activities at a grassroots community level.