8 Principles
GR8 stands for Global Responsibility and the 8 fundamental principles.
1. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be perfect present for the test of our civilization.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Diversity is the range of human differences including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, religion, ethical value system, national origin and political beliefs. A strong diversity strategy in the education system, organizations and businesses can drive innovative results and nurture human beings to be open-minded and accepting regardless of any differences.
Greater social inclusion stimulates stronger and sustainable growth. To create and maintain a competitive economy in a globalized world, it is key to build relationships and develop multicultural skills with members of all backgrounds. Ensuring that there is equality in opportunities, encourages the development of more flexible attitudes and practices. An inclusive setting recognizes and celebrates diversity.
2. EDUCATION - TRADITION & INNOVATION
“We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow. Education is neither Eastern or Western, it is human.”
- Malala Yousafzai
A strong education improves cognitive ability, literacy, and enhances a sense of personal control. It gives a perspective of the way to view life, build opinions and make decisions. Education has the power to change a life. A good education empowers personal, social and economic development to the society, nation and world.
3. SUSTAINABILITY, GOVERNANCE
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."
– Native American Proverb
The growing concern of over-consumption and unsustainable resources is on the verge to cause disruption in the ecological system. It is essential that sustainability within the environment, society and business’ are monitored vigilantly. Global sustainability takes into account how humans, nature, societies, the biospheres and planet Earth can coexist in such a way that it brings harmony and stability to support our present and future generations.
4. CLIMATE CHANGE
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save.”
- Robert Swan
Understanding and acting upon the ongoing climate change debacle are vitally important. Global climate change has already resulted in a wide range of impacts across all regions and several sectors of the economy. To protect, restore and save our world is our responsibility and it is essential to implement changes to the current system. Observable effects of climate change have already begun as the glaciers are shrinking, the temperature is at a constant rise, changes in precipitation patterns, more droughts, and heat waves, rise in sea level, the Arctic is likely to become ice-free and more. Scientists are assured that global temperatures will continue to rise for years to come. As citizens of planet Earth, everyone has to be part of the change and take action to rectify the current situation that affects all living organisms.
5. HEALTH, NUTRITION & BEAUTY
“The first wealth is health.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
To lead a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition is important. Understanding the nutrients in the food we consume provide insight into factors influencing our growth, development, functional abilities and health. A healthy diet prevents malnutrition and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Staying healthy stabilizes our physical, emotional and psychological well-being.
6. GLOBALIZATION
It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive, but those who can best manage change.
- Leon C. Megginson
Globalization is the process of international integration of world views, ideas, information, cultures, goods, and corporations between different countries. It is an inevitable phenomenon that impacts everybody’s life in today's day and age. With the rapid and unstoppable growth of globalization, it is essential to acknowledge traditional customs and rituals that form the base of the replacing ideologies. The world is interconnected and it impacts everybody and anybody. People need to be aware of what is happening on a global scale and provide support to their best of their abilities.
7. SOCIAL DIPLOMACY & ETHICS
“We don’t have a choice on whether we DO social media, the question is how well we DO it.” - Erik Qualman
With the growing digital-age phenomena and the important role of internet and social networks in international communication, it’s vital to build friendly relationships and act as a “social diplomat.” Understanding one’s own culture, being tolerant towards other cultures and having mutual understanding are all elements associated with social diplomacy. Due to social media, everyone has the power to voice themselves in any way or form. Recently, the exploitation of such freedom has resulted in trolls spreading hurtful messages that result in severe consequences. With the comfort of concealing one’s identity and being faceless, it has become increasingly easy to spread hate, initiate fights and cause disagreement. It is vital for every individual to understand the power of words and the impact it can make.
8. MINDFULNESS
“The first step toward living a happy life is to treat every other human with kindness.”
- Dalai Lama
Mindfulness practices comprise of understanding how your actions and words can affect the other person. Putting yourself in the shoes of others enables us to take account for actions. This helps to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Being profoundly conscious of your surroundings and peers make us grateful for our relationships and teach us how to nurture them.