A Global Call to Co-Create Charter 2.0

Throughout history, certain documents have not only reflected the aspirations of their time but also helped shape the moral compass of the generations that followed. Foundational charters and declarations—though born in specific moments—often require renewal as societies evolve and our understanding deepens.

Consider the Magna Carta of 1215, widely regarded as the cornerstone of modern democracy and the rule of law. In fact, it was revised and reissued multiple times in the 13th century, each version reflecting shifts in governance and public demand. The United States Constitution, too, has grown through 27 amendments—crucial updates that abolished slavery, expanded voting rights, and protected individual freedoms. And while the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) remains one of the most significant articulations of global dignity, it has been joined by powerful supplementary declarations—on the rights of women, children, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and most recently, the environment.

These documents matter because words shape worlds. Original charters express the ideals of their time, but their power is also in their capacity to evolve—to include voices previously unheard, to respond to emerging crises, and to renew our shared commitments.

In 2009, the Charter for Compassion was launched at the United Nations as a call to return compassion to the center of our lives, institutions, and communities. Written by a group of visionary thinkers and spiritual leaders, and inspired by Karen Armstrong’s Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, the Charter sparked a global movement. Since then, nearly 600 Compassionate Communities have taken root in over 55 countries.

Now, as we approach the Charter’s 16th anniversary, we recognize the need to write the next chapter—together.

We are inviting you to help co-create Charter for Compassion 2.0:

a renewed, inclusive, and forward-looking expression of compassion that honors the original vision while reflecting the urgent needs and rich diversity of our world today.

This is your invitation to take part in a global conversation:

• What must compassion look like in a world facing climate collapse, mass migration, and deepening inequality?
   
• How do we ensure the Charter affirms the dignity of all people—especially those marginalized or overlooked?
   
• What new language, values, or commitments must be named to reflect our interconnected responsibilities—to one another, to all living beings, and to the Earth itself?
   

Just as historic documents have been amended or supplemented to reflect changing realities, so too must the Charter grow—rooted in its original moral clarity, yet expansive enough to carry us forward.

Click here to share your voice and help shape Charter 2.0.

Let’s build the future with the same moral imagination that created the Charter in the first place.

With gratitude and solidarity,
The Charter for Compassion Team