The International Human Duties Initiative, led by Junior Chamber International (JCI), promotes the idea that human rights must be complemented by human duties.
Launched in 2022, the initiative builds on the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders: a global framework outlining seven guiding Duties of Leaders that inspire ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and sustainable development.
Through education, advocacy, and collective action, JCI mobilizes leaders, organizations, and governments to institutionalize responsibility as a cornerstone of peace, justice, and human dignity.
Background
The initiative was conceived in 2022 by then-JCI World President Argenis Angulo, who launched the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders – a document that frames leadership as a moral responsibility, not merely a position of power.
In 2024 and 2025, over 100 countries commemorated International Human Duties Day (IHDD) through cultural, educational, and civic programs. The movement has garnered 60,000+ petition signatures and inspired at least one national law.
The first official IHDD celebration took place on July 1, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, following a week of community events including a 5K Fun Run in Central Park, tree stewardship projects, a Times Square activation, and an art exhibition.
This year, Human Duties Global Week runs July 4th through IHDD on July 10th.
The Seven Human Duties Explained
Preserve Life
Protect human dignity, care for personal and community health, and promote peace and prosperity for all
Project examples: Blood drives, mental health awareness campaigns, road safety awareness, first aid workshops, disaster preparedness training, wellness & preventative health programs
Serve Humanity
Respect, care for, and honor all individuals, with special attention to children and elders. Contribute to a safe and fair community
Project examples: Elderly care programs, children’s welfare initiatives, food distributions, refugee support initiatives, support for people with disabilities, clothing drives, social inclusion campaigns
Sustain for the Future
Protect the environment, preserve ecosystems, and choose sustainable practices to benefit future generations
Project examples: Tree planting campaigns, recycling projects, community gardens, river/beach cleaning, plastic reduction campaigns, eco-friendly business forums, sustainability challenges
Pursue Prosperity
Support economic growth by preserving the freedom to pursue enterprise and adding value to the economy and society through volunteer work and other initiatives
Project examples: Business & mentorship programs, career fairs, financial literacy programs, job readiness training, digital economy workshops, startup pitch competitions
Respect Human Personality
Cherish diverse opinions, preserve cultural heritage, and promote equity and inclusion for all individuals
Project examples: Inclusion workshops, cultural heritage events, interfaith discussions, anti-discrimination campaigns, gender equality forums, disability inclusion initiatives
Educate Yourself, Teach Others
Ensure access to education for all, support talent development, and use knowledge to uplift others
Project examples: Scholarship initiatives, reading campaigns, tutoring programs, book drives, civic education, digital literacy training, youth leadership programs
Lead Responsibly
Exercise freedom of expression responsibly, protect the interests of both majorities and minorities, create an environment of mutual respect, and promote and respect human rights
Project examples: Public policy dialogues, advocacy campaigns, petition-signing drives, civic participation forums, responsible citizenship trainings, good governance workshops
How to Get Involved
Sign the Petition. JCI has organized a petition urging the United Nations to declare an International Human Duties Day on 10th of July – a day dedicated not only to recognising but also fulfilling our shared responsibilities for creating a better world for everyone.
By declaring an International Human Duties Day at the United Nations, we would be taking a significant step towards acknowledging these responsibilities globally. This day could serve as a yearly reminder for all nations about their duty towards humanity – fostering mutual respect, promoting sustainable practices, boosting economic growth, ensuring social justice – thereby contributing positively towards global peace.
Click here to sign now!
Share on Social Media. The petition’s platform makes sharing the initiative on social media quick and easy. Members are also encouraged to share why Human Duties matter, and how your organization is working in alignment with them. Check out JCI’s branding kit linked below for graphics and logos, and don’t forget to tag both JCI and JCI USA! Below are a list of suggested hashtags:
- #HumanDutiesRally
- #InternationalHumanDutiesDay
- #LeadConnectEvolve
- #LeadThroughDuty
Share your Projects. It’s likely that your chapter is already running projects and programs that align with the Human Duties listed above – and we want to hear about them!
If your organization has an event or project scheduled between now and Labor Day (September 7th) that is related to a specific Human Duty, please reach out to Program Coordinator, Cassie Brethen, at cbrethen@jciusa.org. We want to spotlight the incredible work our members are doing, with opportunities for national & international recognition!
Resources & Links
Together, we can make responsibility a global value. We hope that you will join us in celebrating International Human Duties, this week and beyond!