Working globally as a member of the Supervisory Board of the International Academy of Arts and Sciences, Mr. Hawrylyshyn concluded that having the Declaration of Human Rights is not enough. It is necessary to discuss the duties and responsibilities of each individual at various levels; otherwise, the world cannot be healthy and develop in the best interest of humanity.

After the Revolution of Dignity, Bohdan Dmytrovych became even more convinced that the experience of Ukrainians could serve as the foundation for such global changes. In 2014, he created the Declaration of Human Responsibility.

In 2021, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a resolution, "On the Establishment of the All-Ukrainian Day of Human Responsibility," to be celebrated annually on October 19th, the birthday of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn.

The purpose of observing the Day of Responsibility is to qualitatively transform Ukrainian society in the context of understanding and raising the level of responsibility while honoring the memory of this great Ukrainian. The initiative to establish the All-Ukrainian Day of Human Responsibility belongs to the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation.

Declaration of Human Responsibility

The declaration consists of 15 points that reflect various spheres of human responsibility, which can serve as guidelines for a more democratic, inclusive, and effective society based on humanistic values:

Speak the truth, be honest, and act by moral and ethical principles.

Maintain your health in the best possible condition to avoid burdening society with your healthcare costs.

Learn to develop your talents, skills, and abilities throughout your life to be a valuable part of society.

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Be a free person, meaning that you are the judge of what is true and false, right and wrong. Continue to test your judgment to ensure it aligns with moral and ethical principles.

Strive for harmony between your personal, professional, and social life as part of the community.

In seeking to realize your rights, do not limit the rights of other members of society.

Solve as many problems and issues at the individual, family, and community levels to ease the burden and reduce the costs of management.

Family duties:

• Preserve the cultural heritage of your ancestors.
• Treat parents with love and respect and assist them as needed.
• Treat siblings as your best friends.

Parents to children:

• Love your children, and nurture ethical and moral values in them.
• Support their education and the development of their talents and personalities, raising them as free individuals.

To society:

• Assist society in providing essential services like basic education, healthcare, and social services.
• Promote the well-being of all members of society.
• While preserving your identity, be a conscious part of the global community.

Regarding the environment:

• Use all resources economically and wisely; avoid polluting the biosphere.
• Contribute to the preservation of biological and zoological diversity.

Towards your country:

• Be law-abiding.
• Assist your country within your means to support the priority of the common good: complete political freedom, adequate economic prosperity for the entire population, social justice, and a healthy environment.

For future generations:

• Leave the environment in better condition than you received it, with an increased cultural heritage and values to enable future generations to be more effective in society's political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.

For the world:

• Be tolerant and treat all races, ethnic groups, religions, languages, and customs respectfully.
• Learn different languages and at least the basics about other civilizations.
• Promote understanding of different cultures and their values for peaceful cooperation and fair trade.

The Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Foundation has introduced an annual "Responsibility Award" to recognize the proactive actions of individuals, businesses, and organizations contributing to the positive development of Ukraine.

The Declaration of Human Responsibility should be adopted internationally and stand alongside the Declaration of Human Rights. For now, each of us can take Bohdan Hawrylyshyn's guidance as a roadmap and, step by step, become more responsible, supporting positive personal and collective changes.

On October 19th, we invite you to reflect on your good deeds, thank your family, friends, and acquaintances for their acts of responsibility, and continue your journey toward personal and professional growth.

You can read our interview with the president of the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation, Ms. Khrystyna Hawrylyshyn-Batruch, here.

This material is based on publications from the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation.