Global Dignity Day with Global Dignity Canada

Celebrating Global Dignity Day

Global Dignity Day takes place each year on the third Wednesday of October across Canada and around the world.

During a Global Dignity Day session, facilitators—individuals who live out the Dignity Principles in their own lives—visit schools to engage with students around the concept of dignity. Facilitators come from all walks of life: they might be tradespeople, healthcare providers, financial professionals, or anyone who believes in encouraging young people to grow into their best selves. What matters most is the desire to serve as a positive example.

A typical session runs for about two hours. It begins with the facilitator sharing a personal story that reflects what dignity means to them. Students are then invited to define dignity in their own words, sparking conversation and reflection. Together, they explore the five core principles of dignity. Afterward, students take turns sharing their own dignity stories with the class.

To close the session, each student writes a letter to themselves about what they hope to achieve—for themselves and others—by embracing dignity in their lives. One year later, these letters are mailed back to the students as a reminder of their journey and intentions.

Global Dignity Principles

Global Dignity is an international organization that promotes the idea that every human being has the right to a life of dignity. Its work is grounded in five core principles:

1. Every human being has the right to a dignified life.
   This principle emphasizes that dignity is a fundamental human right, not something that must be earned or given conditionally.
2. A dignified life means the opportunity to fulfill one’s potential.
   Dignity includes the ability to live with purpose, access opportunity, and develop as a full human being.
3. Dignity means having the freedom to make decisions about one’s life and to be treated with respect.
   Autonomy, self-determination, and respectful treatment are central to this principle.
4. Dignity should be the guiding principle for all actions.
   This calls for dignity to be a foundation for how individuals, communities, institutions, and societies operate and relate to one another.
5. Ultimately, our dignity depends on the dignity of others.
   This principle stresses interconnectedness and the idea that we are all responsible for upholding each other’s dignity.

Global Dignity Day Resources

Please download the complete Facilitator’s Guide for more details on hosting your own Dignity Day event. To hold a quick dignity day session, consult the Global Dignity Day Canada Express Guide (each session within takes less than 30 minutes with very little prep time).