FAQ

What is New Humanity?

New Humanity is an international NGO active in over 100 countries worldwide. It aims to contribute to the creation of unity in the human family, fully respecting the individual identities of all of its members. For this reason, New Humanity spreads the idea of a united world in all spheres of society and at all levels. It promotes the universal spirit of fraternity, as proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (article n. 1), as a dynamic factor in social cohesion: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”.

To this end it carries out, through volunteerism and active youth involvement, cultural activities, social and educational projects, and economic initiatives on both local and international scales.

As such, it is open to the contributions of all and collaborates with individuals, institutions, representatives of the religions and diverse cultures of the world towards common goals.

Since 1987 it has been granted ECOSOC/UN Special Consultative Status, and since 2005 General Consultative Status. Since 2008 it is recognized as official partner of UNESCO.

What does New Humanity deal with and where does it operate?

In collaboration with other associated NGOs and with experts in cultural and social matters, New Humanity takes part in specific activities of ECOSOC, the Human Rights Council, and UNESCO, as well as through the presentation of documents, experiences and projects in the field.

It participates in European Commission programs, particularly in those involving youth.

Its main fields of action are:

  • Human and social development:
    • the economies of solidarity and of communion
    • the environment
    • health
    • education
    • sport
    • communication
    • cultural and interreligious dialogue
  • Human rights:
    • Right to development
    • Human rights and international solidarity
    • Right to education
  • Promotion of the culture of peace
  • Youth

What are New Humanity's inspiring principles?

Since its beginning, the mission of the NGO New Humanity has been to serve as the ambassador of the life, values, and good practices that are born from the Focolare Movement, an ecclesial and international movement that aims at contributing to the unity of the human family, and to universal brotherhood.

New Humanity commits itself to taking up the challenges of today’s world. It works towards combating inequalities and marginalization, ending each and every form of poverty, and forming global citizens through its commitment to peace, human rights, respect, solidarity amongst peoples, and safeguarding of the planet from climate change.

New Humanity’s goal is to open a dialogue with international institutions—especially with the United Nations and its organisms, and in collaboration with the other NGOs—in order to offer ideas, culture, and best practices that could influence the drafting of documents that are aimed at fraternity and the common good.

Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement, recipient of the 1996 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education and 1998 Council of Europe Prize for Human Rights, in speaking at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on May 28, 1997, stated: “… it is by now part of the common feeling of the protagonists of international affairs that there’s a need to re-read the meaning of reciprocity, one of the key points of international relations, which is still at the basis of our spirituality, and therefore of our action. Reciprocity requires that the old and new logics of polarization be overcome, establishing instead relations with all as true love requires. It demands of us to be the first to love unconditionally, and with no expectations; it makes us see the other as another ourselves, and follow this approach for every kind of initiative: disarmament, development, co-operation.”

What is New Humanity's relationship with the Catholic Church and other Religions?

The principles and initiatives of New Humanity are based on the spirit of the Focolare Movement, approved by the Catholic Church in 1962. According to the current General Statutes, the Focolare Movement has the legal form of an Association of Pontifical Right holders. Wherever it is present, New Humanity is in touch and collaborates with the leaders and representatives of the Holy See and of Catholic-inspired NGOs. It is at the forefront in promoting ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and in collaborating for the common good with those who do not profess a specific religious belief.

How is New Humanity organized?

As reported in the Statutes of New Humanity, article 8, the “Organs of the Association” are composed of:

– the Assembly of associates; (see Article 9)
– the Board of Directors; (see Article 10)
– the President and the Vice President; (see Article 11)
– the Board of Statutory Auditors; (see Art. 12)

New Humanity has representatives in its offices in:

  • New York, at the United Nations Headquarters .
  • Geneva, UNOG, Geneva headquarters of the United Nations (Palais des Nations).
  • Paris, at UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

New Humanity is also made up of various member organizations and is associated with numerous partners, specialized in the various areas and specific sectors of its actions.

How does New Humanity finance itself and what is its budget?

As reported in the Statutes of New Humanity, article 4, the funds of the Association consist of:

  • membership fees and donations from members;
  • any subsidy or donation made by national and international agencies and institutions in support of the activities performed by the Association;
  • any ex gratia payments, effected by private individuals or private or public organizations, donations, endowments and bequests;
  • any surplus operating funds, which shall be rechanneled towards institutional or connected objectives;
  • proceeds of associated activities.

The Association’s annual financial report is published on the website.

How can you get in touch with New Humanity and/or get more information?