Global Dignity began as a dream from three then members of the inaugural class of the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL), while attending their first meeting together in Switzerland. The three YGLs were HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Professor Pekka Himanen of Finland, and John Hope Bryant, an American entrepreneur, businessman, bestselling author, advisor and founder of Operation HOPE.
When World Economic Forum Founder Professor Klaus Schwab brought together the first 273 YGL members, he also assembled the leadership of 80 different countries, complete with their cultural and religious differences. And so, the founders of Global Dignity attempted to format a’ new language,’ which could bring everyone together, yet give us all something larger than ourselves believe in. And in a world where no one seems to agree on most of anything, we found that the word ‘dignity’ actually translates, universally and worldwide, without offense of misunderstanding.
A decade later, Global Dignity has volunteer Country Chairs active in more than 60 countries. The last Dignity Dignity in 201,4 actually taught its signature Course in Dignity in 73 countries, on one day, around the world.
The Course in Dignity curriculum is not only authorized for use within the South African education system, Operation HOPE has used the curriculum as part of each and every class of its award winning Banking on Our Future financial literacy program in schools across the United States.
More than 2 million youth have been exposed to the positive and transformational impact of Global Dignity to date.