Global Dignity Celebrates 20 Years of Inspiring Youth Worldwide, Recognized in Canada’s House of Commons
OTTAWA, ON — The 20th anniversary of international organization Global Dignity was formally recognized today in the House of Commons. The tribute was delivered in a Members’ Statement by Giovanna Mingarelli, Member of Parliament for Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, who highlighted the organization’s remarkable impact over two decades of promoting dignity, respect, and inclusion across Canada and the world.
“Every year, more than one million young people in 80 countries participate in Dignity Day, reaching over eight million people worldwide,” said Mingarelli. “On October 15, young people across Canada will celebrate with workshops, projects, and activities that highlight kindness, respect, and inclusion.”
Mingarelli also acknowledged the contributions of Global Dignity Canada volunteers, including Jamie Bell, Eva Suluk, and Tony Eetak from The Arts Incubator Winnipeg and Art Borups Corners collectives, as well as Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship student Krish Agrawal. Their ongoing work reflects the spirit of Global Dignity’s mission — empowering youth and communities through storytelling, creativity, and shared humanity.
Their project for Global Dignity Day 2025, titled Where Dignity Grows, is part of an international collaboration commemorating Global Dignity’s 20th anniversary through the publication of 20 special short stories. Launching on October 15 with support from the Ontario Arts Council’s Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program, the collection explores the meaning of dignity from diverse perspectives, celebrating compassion, resilience, and shared humanity. Together, these creative works amplify youth and community voices, demonstrating how dignity continues to grow through art, storytelling, and collective action around the world.
“I invite all Members of this House to join me in congratulating Global Dignity on 20 years of outstanding impact,” Mingarelli concluded. “Let us celebrate the voices of Canada’s youth, who remind us that dignity is the foundation of a just and compassionate society.”
Global Dignity’s 20th anniversary marks two decades of fostering understanding and respect through youth-led action and education. From classrooms to community art hubs, its message continues to inspire millions worldwide to live with empathy and lead with purpose.
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About Global Dignity
Global Dignity is an independent, non-profit, non-political organization founded in 2005 by HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, John Hope Bryant, and Pekka Himanen. The movement empowers youth worldwide to recognize that every human being has a universal right to lead a dignified life. Today, Global Dignity engages millions of young people across more than 80 countries.
For more information, visit: https://globaldignity.org
About Global Dignity Canada
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Global Dignity Canada is a non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to inspiring individuals—especially youth—to recognize their worth and act with dignity in all aspects of life. It equips young people with tools to fulfil their potential, promote fairness and inclusion, and to nurture a culture in which every person is seen, heard, and valued. Their initiatives in education, community engagement, and public awareness champion dignity as both a right and a responsibility.
For more information, visit www.globaldignity.ca
About Art Borups Corners
Art Borups Corners is a northern arts incubator that combines land-based practices with digital innovation to support artists and youth in Northwestern Ontario. It was seeded in 2022 with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse. The collective provides programs and residencies that support storytelling, creative entrepreneurship and climate-focused, arts-based participatory projects. The collective supports communities in Melgund Township, including Dyment and Borups Corners, and often collaborates with regional programs in Ontario, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Minnesota. Art Borups Corners emphasizes intergenerational learning and collaborative creative projects, strengthening community bonds and creating arts and cultural infrastructure.
For more information, visit: https://artsincubator.ca/borupscorners
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