Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kofi Anan once said, “human rights education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day; it is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live lives of security and dignity." Each year on this day, we are challenged to revisit the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to give thanks for the meaningful progress that we have made together, and to recommit to the important work still ahead. We can each be part of the ongoing process through our commitment to making our own communities safe and accepting for all.
I offer my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who works to promote education, to foster civil society and to safeguard human rights, both here at home and for our sisters and brothers across the globe. Your commitment is essential and each step you take brings us closer to a future where everyone is empowered to contribute the full measure of their gifts to the world we share.
Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc., LLD (hon)
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
December 10, 2021