Prashanthi Nilayam Declaration 29 September 2000 Human Values for All through Education Six hundred and fifty participants from 78 countries gathered in Prashanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi, Andra Pradesh, India between 25th - 29th September 2000 to attend the International Conference on "Strengthening Values Education." The Conference provided a venue for interactive participation during five days, thereby contributing to the development of international networking and information exchange.

The participants are united in their desire and intent to strengthen values education in the world, and agree that in five days it is not possible to thoroughly consider the diversity of all perspectives, cultures, and local conditions affecting the means of accomplishing this important goal. From the diversity of well-considered opinions expressed during the conference, there is unity in the belief that all children and youth should have positive values in education.

IT IS HEREBY DECLARED:

• All children have a right to equal opportunity to receive the best and free education that would bring about good character and human excellence; and,
• Human values must be an integral part of all subjects taught in the education systems of the world; and,
• All governments should be encouraged to develop and implement laws and policies which enables values in education to be an integral component of teacher education, professional development and student learning experiences; and,
• Education in human values, peace, and international understanding should be taught across the entire teacher education curriculum; and,
• In order to implement the above, a voluntary network of educators sharing the education goal of human excellence will be established for educators to exchange ideas, experiences and promote values education.
• The Prashanthi Nilayam Declaration will be submitted to UNESCO, the United Nations, and other international organizations for further consideration and action.