30 YEARS OF THE GLOBAL ETHIC FOUNDATION
AN IDEA THAT UNITES.
A MISSION THAT ENDURES.
For 30 years, the Global Ethic Foundation has been bringing together people of diverse religions and cultures in dialogue. In a world full of conflict, we need what connects us—shared values that build bridges.
Global Ethic shows: Common values exist. And they are the key to peaceful coexistence, social cohesion, and global peace.
For 30 years, the Global Ethic Foundation has been bringing together people of diverse religions and cultures in dialogue. In a world full of conflict, we need what connects us—shared values that build bridges.
Weltethos zeigt: Gemeinsame Werte existieren. Und sie sind der Schlüssel für ein gutes Miteinander, zu gesellschaftlichem Zusammenhalt und globalem Frieden.
FROM A VISION TO A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
What began as a visionary idea has become a living reality: For over 30 years, Global Ethic has shaped the dialogue between religions and cultures.
A look back reveals how one idea grew into an international movement.
The Vision Takes Shape: The Global Ethic Project
Theologian and philosopher Hans Küng believed humanity needed a shared ethical foundation that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. In his seminal work Global Responsibility: In Search of a New World Ethic, he demonstrated that these universal values already exist across all religions and philosophical traditions. The book was translated into 17 languages and inspired people around the world. Das Buch wird in 17 Sprachen übersetzt und inspiriert Menschen weltweit.
A Historic Moment of Global Understanding: The Declaration Toward a Global Ethic
At the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, representatives of all major world religions and many spiritual movements adopted the Declaration Toward a Global Ethic—a historic consensus on univer-sal values.Beim Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago verabschieden Repräsentant*innen aller großen Religionen und zahlreicher spiritueller Bewegungen die Erklärung zum Weltethos – ein historischer Konsens über universelle Werte.
A Home for the Vision: The Global Ethic Foundation is Established
To bring the Global Ethic Project into society, Hans Küng, with the financial support of Karl Konrad Graf von der Groeben, founded the Global Ethic Foundation. A year later, the Swiss Global Ethic Foundation was established. The mission: to promote interreligious and intercultural research, education, and encounter—strengthening what unites us, for a world where diversity is not a divide, but a connection. Der Auftrag: Interreligiöse und interkulturelle Forschung, Bildung und Begegnung, die das Gemeinsame stärken – für eine Welt, in der Vielfalt nicht trennt, sondern verbindet.Das Buch wird in 17 Sprachen übersetzt und inspiriert Menschen weltweit.
Ethics in Business: The Global Ethic Institute Opens Its Doors
Thanks to an initiative by entrepreneur Karl Schlecht, the Global Ethic Institute was founded at the Universi-ty of Tübingen. It focuses on questions of business and corporate ethics—supported by the Global Ethic Foundation and funded by the Karl Schlecht Foundation.
A GUIDING ETHOS FOR THE FUTURE
Social tensions and global upheaval challenge us—both as a society and as individuals. But we can only overcome them together. We are convinced: The Global Ethic Project is more relevant today than ever.
Whether in schools, communities, or faith groups, our work creates spaces for interreligious dialogue, value-based civic education, and social cohesion. We share our expertise, enable genuine encounters, and foster a culture of understanding.
Because Global Ethic is not an idea of the past—it’s a mindset for today. And a hope for tomorrow.
"The idea of a global ethic is far from obsolete. On the contrary, it is of urgent historical importance."
"Peace will only be lasting and the world will only find rest if human rights are comprehensive and universal."
"Are there still universal values? Yes, there are—but we must not take them for granted."
"Without a minimal ethical consensus on certain values, standards, and attitudes, a humane coexistence is impossible—be it in a small community or a global one."
OUR ANNIVERSARY YEAR
WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2025
In 2025, we celebrate not just what has been—but, more importantly, what’s to come.
Global Ethic Speech
with Natalie Amiri
Renowned journalist and Middle East expert Natalie Amiri will speak on May 12 in the grand hall of the University of Tübingen on:
A New Home
for Values and Dialogue
A place full of history becomes a place full of promise: The Global Ethic Foundation is moving into the former residence of Hans Küng. Here—where the world-renowned theologian lived, researched, and worked—a new space for interreligious dialogue and value-based democratic engagement will be created.
"In times increasingly marked by political and religious extremes, dialogue is more vital than ever. The Global Ethic Foundation does invaluable work in this regard—work I’m proud to support."
"We see it every day: When people engage in dialogue and discover diversity as a strength, community is born."
GET INVOLVED
Global Ethic is more than history—it’s a call to listen, to build bridges, and to shape the future together.
Global Ethic shapes the future! Your contribution helps build a values-driven, peaceful world. Every donation matters.
Would you like to make a difference? Whether as a partner institution, project sponsor, or source of inspiration – we welcome your collaboration.
Volksbank in der Region eG
Bank Code: 6039 1310
Account Number: 566 3390 05
IBAN: DE26 6039 1310 0566 3390 05
BIC: GENODES1VBH