Youth Present Magna Carta of Values at UN

(August 21, 2010) A group of youth representing 20 countries presented a Magna Carta of Values at the United Nations in a session presided over by the retired archbishop of New York and the Holy See's permanent observer before the United Nations. The World Youth Parliament, founded in 1991, created the Magna Carta, which was presented August 13, after two years of preparation. Cardinal Edward Egan, retired archbishop of New York, praised the initiative and welcomed it as a reference point for modern society. He emphasized that it addresses all of the major themes of humanity, particularly the rights to life and liberty, and is based on the spirituality of the person. Prior to the official presentation of the charter, parliament youth had met at St. John's University in New York for two days of discussion and debate on the 10 principles outlined in the statement. The final document is presented as a "statement of personal commitments," not a "social critique or a document to protest or demand rights." This document does not reflect special interests, the youth explained, since the World Youth Parliament seeks "both the common good and solutions that benefit all as a whole, always with a predisposition toward self-sacrifice and generosity." This document makes visible the characteristics of the society that we young people aspire to build." The Magna Carta addresses values ranging from the topic of the "human person open to transcendence," to family, education and the environment. Each of the sub-points in the 10 categories is followed by a commitment taken on by the youth.