Human Security and Dignity: “UBUNTU: Awakening the Spirit of Humanity” A Project of the BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY dedicated to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights as a follow-up to the World Conference Against Racism

Summary as of 31st December 2002 Introduction Ubuntu is an ancient African code of ethics, referring to the humaneness of the human spirit. It embraces the hospitality, generosity, warmth and togetherness that are so typical of the African people. One concept of Ubuntu: “I exist because you exist”, expresses the feeling of belonging to one human family, of sharing and of having a sense of responsibility for the well-being of others – thus promoting respect for elders, youth and women, and co-operation and trust between individuals, cultures and nations. The Ubuntu Theology of Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the guiding philosophy behind the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, helping to heal the wounds of apartheid by implementing the values of compassion, forgiveness, personal accountability and dignity. Nelson Mandela demonstrated the spirit of Ubuntu in serving 27 years in jail but never losing the African culture of forgiveness and reconciliation. Background This project was initiated following a workshop organised by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University at the NGO Forum of the United Nations World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance entitled: “Living Together – the Spirit of Ubuntu” which attracted considerable interest. The key-note speakers were H.E. Eugene Richard Gasana, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations, Geneva, and Dr. K. Koka, Director of the Kara Heritage School of Philosophy, Theology and Science – the leading institution for research on Ubuntu in South Africa. At the workshop participants explored the concept of Ubuntu and its relevance to promoting tolerance and unity. The discussion extended to traditional values in Mexico and the spiritual beliefs and customs of indigenous peoples of North America. It was apparent that similar values-systems exist or have existed in most cultures in the world and have served as a healing and civilising force to reduce conflict and bring about reconciliation within families, between tribes and clans – and even between nations. Aims The aims of the Project are: to research the knowledge, wisdom and spirituality of Ubuntu and similar value systems in other cultures; to exchange views and experiences with other organizations and individuals involved in similar work and create opportunities for sharing ideas and initiatives through workshops, round tables and conferences; to provide a platform for intercultural exchange and dialogue through which the highest values found in all civilisations can provide inspiration and models for non-violent conflict resolution; to develop community activities and other projects worldwide; and to collect articles, poems, proverbs, traditional stories, photographs and children’s artwork illustrating the philosophy of Ubuntu and its equivalents in different cultures; to create a web-site and publish an illustrated book to offer the results of the Project’s research to the world. Events and activities Education Viewing education as an essential factor to bring about change in society, Project participants are currently developing resource materials and methods through which the values of Ubuntu can be explored, expressed, applied and adapted according to different situations. These resources are to be offered for integratiion in the international values-education programme “Living Values: An Educational Program", which includes modules for primary and secondary schools, early childhood, parents, refugees, street children, and children affected-by-war, and it is anticipated that they will be ready for piloting by 2003. Roundtables and Workshops Roundtables, workshops and presentations will be held during 2002 in Switzerland , Barbados and the UK and a three-day seminar is planned for September 2002 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is also planned to present the Ubuntu Project during the African and African Descendant Conference in August 2002.