The Youth Summit on Human Fraternity and Compassion, held from September 30 to October 2, 2023, in Viratnagar, Rajasthan, was a landmark event that brought together over 600 global youth leaders, religious figures, social activists and thought leaders. Hosted by the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC) in collaboration with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity (ZAHF), the Summit aimed to foster open dialogues, generate actionable initiatives and build a global movement centred on compassion as a transformative force.

A Historic Gathering to Globalise Compassion

The Summit commenced with a powerful opening address by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who set the tone for the three-day event by emphasising the urgency of globalising compassion in a world increasingly marked by divisions and fractures. Satyarthi’s call to action was both inspirational and urgent, “For the first time in the world, 500-600 youth have gathered under one roof to globalise compassion. Compassion has always been talked about, but today it has become a necessity due to the divisions within society and fractures in the world. Those who have gathered here today are part of history, contributing to the global movement of compassion.”

Satyarthi’s message resonated deeply with the participants, many of whom are young leaders from diverse cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. His words underscored the critical role that the youth must play in fostering unity and bridging divides. The message was clear: compassion is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible force that can drive real, positive change in the world.

Connecting Human Fraternity with Compassion

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, reinforced Satyarthi’s message by drawing a direct link between human fraternity and compassion. He stressed that human fraternity, as outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity co-signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is deeply rooted in compassion. Abdelsalam asserted, “No human being is born with enmity or innate discrimination and hatred. All religions in the world call for compassion.” This sentiment served as a guiding principle throughout the Summit, encouraging participants to view compassion as a universal value that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.

Leymah Gbowee, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from Liberia, also shared a poignant personal story that illustrated the transformative power of compassion. She recounted how a former child soldier, whose village was destroyed, chose a peaceful and compassionate path to seek justice. Gbowee’s story served as a powerful reminder of how compassion can overcome even the most harrowing circumstances, reinforcing the Summit’s overarching theme.

Women Leaders Call Upon Bridging the Gender Gap

The role of women in leadership, particularly in addressing the gender gap through compassion, was a central theme on the second day of the Summit. A distinguished panel of global women leaders, including Dr Epsy Campbell Barr, former Vice President of Costa Rica, and Asmita Satyarthi, the then Managing Trustee of SMGC, shared their insights on how compassion can empower women and create more equitable societies.

Asmita spoke with pride about her mother’s role in standing beside her father, throughout his journey as a social reformer. “Behind every successful man stands a woman, but my mother stood beside my father, and that makes me immensely proud of her. We need men to stand up with us,” she remarked, highlighting the need for gender equality in leadership.

Dr Epsy Campbell Barr expanded on this idea, “Women’s power in leadership is akin to that of a mother—a mother considers everyone and their needs,” she said, emphasising the unique perspective women bring to leadership roles. The discussion also touched on the social and economic disparities women face, with Dr Nahla Al-Saeedi, the first woman appointed as an advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calling for educational institutions to raise awareness about women’s rights and support them in overcoming challenges. “A society cannot thrive without the equal contributions of men and women,” she asserted.

Youth Climate Champion Prajakta Koli, known for her work as a social media content creator and her collaboration with UNDP India on climate change issues, also shared her perspective. She emphasised the role of social media in driving actionable change, stating, “For me, compassion means equality. Through my platform, I can influence my community to engage in compassionate actions that promote equality and justice.”

Compassion in Action: The Commitments

One of the Summit’s most significant outcomes was the creation of over 850 actionable initiatives designed to globalise compassion. These initiatives were not merely theoretical; they were specific commitments made by nearly 600 youth leaders, each pledging to implement compassionate actions within their communities. The breadth and diversity of these initiatives were remarkable, ranging from inspiring compassionate deeds in schools to leveraging established models and initiatives like Bal Mitra Gram (BMG), Bal Mitra Mandal (BMM), and Panchayats to promote compassion. Participants also committed to spreading the message of compassion during significant occasions such as Children’s Day (November 14) and various cultural and religious festivals. These initiatives were aimed not only at fostering compassion among humans but also at preserving the environment, reflecting a holistic approach to compassion that includes all living beings and the planet itself. The emphasis on interfaith dialogue was particularly significant, with religious leaders from various backgrounds coming together to champion compassion as a means to transcend religious and cultural barriers.

The Summit also placed a strong emphasis on integrating compassion into policymaking, advocating for compassionate governance that prioritises inclusivity and social cohesion. Participants underscored the importance of addressing systemic injustices as key components of compassionate action.

A Legacy of Compassion

As the Summit drew to a close, the resounding message was clear: compassion is the guiding force for creating positive change in the world. Kailash Satyarthi reiterated this sentiment, stating, “Compassion is not merely a soft power; it can be the spark that illuminates the world and creates a brighter future.” The commitment to compassion extended beyond the Summit, with participants pledging to continue their efforts to promote compassion globally.

The Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, inspired by Kailash Satyarthi’s four decades of social reform, continues to lead the charge in promoting compassion across all sectors of society—from education to business to government. Similarly, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, with its significant recognition of individuals and institutions breaking down societal divisions, remains a key partner in this global endeavour.

The Youth Summit on Human Fraternity & Compassion marked the beginning of a new chapter in the global compassion movement, one that promises to transform our fractured world into a more inclusive, empathetic, and harmonious society.