International Association for Human Values
Peace is possible in our lifetime – Re-awakening of Human Values is the key
IAHV offers researched and evidence-based programs to solve root causes of society’s most serious problems – allowing Human Values to flourish again worldwide.
Our Mission
IAHV offers programs to reduce stress and develop leaders so that human values can flourish in people and communities. We foster the daily practice of human values – a sense of connectedness and respect for all people and the natural environment, an attitude of non-violence, and an ethic of social service. Our programs enhance clarity of mind, shift attitudes and behaviors, and develop leaders and communities that are resilient, responsible, and inspired.
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Our Founder
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an international humanitarian leader who is the global rallying voice of this generation’s collective call for peace.
Named one of the “Seven Most Powerful People in India,” by Forbes, his world-renowned meditation techniques helped end the 60 year conflict in Colombia. He has been credited in bringing opposing parties together to facilitate meditation and peace talks in Iraq, Cote d’Ivoire and India.
Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values, Sri Sri is leading the way toward peace and tolerance through meditation and humanitarian efforts. Over 35 years, his programs and initiatives have touched the lives of over 370 million people in over 150 countries.
“Sudarshan Kriya,” the meditation technique introduced by Sri Sri is backed by research and implemented in schools, corporations, prisons, refugee camps and retreat centers around the world. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri rekindled traditions of yoga and meditation that have helped millions of people achieve personal and social transformation by relieving stress and discovering inner peace in daily life.
Sri Sri’s mission is to show the world that through achieving inner peace, we will be able to see our human interconnectedness and become a One World Family.
Board of Directors
He has taught SKY Meditation for over 25 years and is now focused on bringing this practice more individuals through the Internal Association for Human Values. Jeff after growing up in Pennsylvania, enjoys living the “outdoor life” in Santa Barbara, CA with his family.
Jeffrey Houk graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Millersville State University.
She partnered with the UN to engage students globally with service projects in her previous position as the executive director of an INGO. A former journalist, she was selected as one of the Nation’s Top 90 Women Mentoring Leaders at the Global Women Mentoring and Philanthropy Summit; recipient of the Capitol Hero Award from the American University; Vishalakshi Service Award from the Art of Living Foundation; and was nominated for People Who Make a Difference Award by the Helena Rubinstein Inc.
Filiz holds M.A. in Communications and Conflict Management from American University and teaches stress-management and meditation courses.
William's prior work at NASA and elsewhere has been as a technical manager and engineer. William became an Art of Living teacher in 1994. He produced five Art of Living books, and has volunteered for many local Art of Living events. He has co-developed the Homes for Change program under IAHV. This program is now part of the 5H Program – the Association's major community development program.
William received NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal – NASA’s highest honor in 2015. Since 1988 he has been residing in Maryland with his wife and adopted son from India.
He is also the National Coordinator for 5H program. In this capacity, he has overseen the participation of 42 countries in the first International 5H Serve-a-thon in 2002. The projects included food drives to organizing outings for children living in orphanages, community cleanups, and a blood donation camp. Mr. Kadari was also the coordinator for the International 5H Walk for Gujarat Earthquake that thousands participated from 30 countries. This walk was the first of its kind where thousands of people got united around the same cause and walked at the same time regardless of time and zone differences. Mr. Kadari organized national and local fundraisers since 1996 through 5H Concert Series that raises funds to support youth to train for the village empowerment programs.
Mr. Kadari holds M.S in Computer Engineering from University of Maryland, College Park.
Sneh was an advisor and worked in promotion of international trade, as well as having served as the overseas Rep for the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI). As part of her work she traveled extensively around the world. She currently serves in numerous non-profit and religious organizations to support initiatives that drive education, opportunities, food, shelter and spirituality for those in need. She continues to serve as an advisor and consultant for multiple global/multinational companies. Sneh has served on the Board of Directors of IAHV for almost a decade.
He is the founder and CEO of Clavileno Capital. Kushal started his career with Goldman Sachs Asset Management. In 2005, he left Goldman Sachs as a vice president to join Athilon, an investment fund as one of the core members of the team. In 2009, he retired from Athilon as managing director and moved to India as senior vice president of fixed income business for BlackRock. He took a break from the Wall Street in 2011 to start a technology startup called Hubbl, which was acquired in 2013.
Kushal has been involved with various initiatives of IAHV and Art of Living foundation since 2005.
Kushal holds MS in information systems and also MS in computational finance from Carnegie Mellon University. He holds bachelors in structural engineering from Gujarat University. He is a CFA charter holder.
We Believe
- All human beings are equal.
- Responsibility and an attitude of selfless service are the foundation of true empowerment.
- Peace, happiness and compassion are the intrinsic nature of human beings.
- Socio-economic development must be built on human values to be sustainable.
- Incorporation of human values into all aspects of life will ultimately lead to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.
Background
The International Association for Human Values was created in Geneva in 1997 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as a global platform for humanitarian initiatives that solve problems by uplifting human values. IAHV was registered as a 501(c)(3) in the United States in 1998.
We foster the daily practice of human values – a sense of connectedness and respect for all people and the natural environment, an attitude of non-violence, and an ethic of social service.
Through its country organizations and partners, IAHV conducts service projects and raises funds for humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives throughout the world. IAHV is registered in the following countries: France, Germany, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, USA, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, India, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and St. Lucia.
To meet the challenges of today, IAHV is actively engaged in a variety of activities around the world, in collaboration with its world-wide network of partners.
- Raising awareness of the key role of Human Values in achieving a global society of peace, justice and well-being for all. We do this through Conferences, Symposia, Workshops, Advocacy for timeless wisdom.
- Re-awakening of Human Values in the individual, communities, among countries – through natural evidence-based programs, practical tools and techniques
- Inspiring people to live and express Human Values in daily life – through voluntary service to society/community.
IAHV contributes to the 17 SDGs of the UN, to programs of governments and communities; IAHV has developed own programs and projects for special regions or communities – wherever help and change is needed.
