Tuesday, 2nd June, is a historic day for the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC) as Bhutan became the first country to sign the Global Compassion Declaration (GCD). The ceremony took place at Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law, Bhutan.
The Declaration was formally unveiled by HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, President of JSW Law School, SMGC Founders, Nobel Peace Laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi and Mrs. Sumedha Kailash,, SMGC CEO Ms. Asmita Satyarthi, and the Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Norbu Tshering, marking a historic step towards embedding compassion at the heart of public life and leadership.
Speaking at the unveiling, Princess Sonam shared, “The Declaration recognises our shared responsibility to build a just and peaceful society, affirming that compassion is measured not only by what we feel, but by what we choose to do, the policies we shape, the institutions we build, and the future we create together.”
Mr. Kailash Satyarthi added, “Bhutan, a nation that has redefined growth and development through its values-driven approach, was the most appropriate place to unveil the Global Compassion Declaration. This historic moment will be remembered as a milestone in humanity’s journey towards a more just, equal, peaceful, and sustainable world. I am also deeply encouraged by the leadership of His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, whose compassion, humility, and graciousness embody the very spirit of the Declaration.”
GCD is a shared moral and strategic framework for collective, tangible action that emerged from dialogue among world leaders, parliamentarians, policymakers, and civil society during the High-Level Roundtable on ‘Globalising Compassion’ convened at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly last year.
In the coming months, more countries will come together to sign the Declaration, anchoring a shared commitment to human dignity, justice, equality, peace, and planetary well-being.
