Al Sharq Youth 8 Core Values
THE FUTURE IS AUSPICIOUS
We believe that our countries are facing a historical transitional phase, and that we are called upon to build the features of the future with a new spirit. This network is an open arena for exploring the future, its visions and projects through in-depth dialogues and continuous interactions with the world and the experiences of different nations.
PLURALISM IS A SOCIAL NECESSITY AND A HUMAN RIGHT
We believe that diversity is universal, and that the signs of the psychological wellbeing of a society lie in its tolerance, vitality and interaction. We thus call for dialogue to deal with different contrasting ideas, perceptions, and visions. We believe that the shaping of the future requires openness and tolerance without exclusion, oppression, or marginalization.
GRASPING LESSONS FROM OUR PAST WHILE CONSCIOUSLY LIVING OUR PRESENT
We are keen to carefully and deeply study the historical experiences of our nations and the world, and believe that our study of history should not make us dwell in the past, nor try to restore its models, structures and experiences.
OUR DECISIONS ARE BASED ON OUR COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS
We believe in the right of nations and peoples to self-determination in accordance with their collective conscience and civilizational precepts. We believe that human civilization is an accumulative process to which many nations, peoples and civilizations contribute. We believe that civilizations interact and impact, but the conflict between them is an outcome of acquisition and arrogance. That is what threatens world peace, and leads to human misery and hardship.
OUR VALUES ARE PREVALENTLY UNIVERSAL AND HUMANE
We believe that the values underpinning our consciousness should be of a universal message, seeking goodness, justice, and ethics, and belong to them everywhere. Values that raise the value of humankind above material benefit, and emphasize the human right to live a decent life with freedom of thought and belief.
KNOWLEDGE HAS INTENDED GOALS AND PURPOSES
Sciences and knowledge are the pillars upon which the human future will be built. We are thus firm believers in prioritizing scientific research and methodological epistemological thinking and in linking them to sublime ethical objectives that surpass the material frame of reference which is separated from the great existential values in the lives of people and societies.
AN EQUITABLE, VIRTUOUS MORAL ECONOMY
The prosperity of humans is correlated to the fair distribution of wealth, transparency and equal opportunities. We believe that any economic system* that is detached from moral values is a project of enslavement and hegemony, and therefore will not achieve security nor prosperity for the world.
TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE PUBLIC DISCOURSE
We believe that public affairs should be addressed through a process of negotiation among the constituents of each community. It should also be determined through dialogue leading to a social and political contract upon which the overwhelming majority of the population agrees, one that is based on consent rather than strife.