In November 2024, the GNRC Sixth Forum concluded with the opening statement in the Abu Dhabi Declaration: “Every child has an inherent, inalienable right to a safe, secure, and sustainable world free from fear, harm, and deprivation. Our sacred duty is to care for each child’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Across faiths and sacred traditions, children are considered precious gifts, and our universal responsibility is to protect and nurture them.” The Forum was convened by Arigatou International and hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, and took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
We are proud to announce a new partnership between Arigatou International, Shanti Ashram, the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, and Ramakrishna Mission, forged as a follow-up to the GNRC Sixth Forum, and a step forward in fulfilling the pledges of the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Building a Hopeful World for Children. “Empowering Children Affected by Violence” is a shared commitment to Build a Safe, Secure and Sustainable World, a response to the call of the child made during the GNRC Sixth Forum.
Together with the GNRC members, we will work to empower and protect communities affected by violence, invest in the next generation of leaders through mentorship and interfaith dialogue, and stand together in the global movement to end violence against children.
“We will work together across faiths and sacred traditions, expand our partnerships, and invest at the grassroots level to place the child’s best interests and voice at the center of all we do.” — GNRC Sixth Forum Pledge
Now, united by a shared mission of building a safe, secure, and sustainable world for children, Shanti Ashram, Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, and Ramakrishna Mission are joining hands to amplify the power of compassion and to generate community-led solutions and bring lasting change where it is needed most.
For over three decades, Shanti Ashram and Ramakrishna Mission, leading GNRC members in India, have been building deep trust across communities in India and beyond, bridging compassion and action to uplift the most vulnerable. The Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, rooted in decades of tireless advocacy for children’s rights, unites people to protect children and uphold their dignity.
At a time when the world urgently needs resilient and compassionate leadership, we will co-create platforms to amplify youth voices, mobilize collective advocacy, and contribute thought leadership. Through collaboration and deep grassroots engagement, we are transforming compassion into action and solidarity into systems that protect the child’s dignity and potential.
As the Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi reminded us during the GNRC Sixth Forum, we must move beyond words to sincere and coordinated action. With this partnership, we are responding with purpose, unity, and resolve.
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to Answering the Call of the Child.
