Hivos seeks new and creative solutions to persistent global problems; solutions created by people taking their lives into their own hands. We offer a positive counterbalancing force against discrimination, inequality, abuse of power and the unsustainable use of our planet’s resources. Our mission is to innovate for social change. With smart projects in the right places, we work towards more open and green societies.

Open Society

Their ideal world guarantees freedom, diversity and equal opportunities for all. Its societies are open to everyone and respectful of differing opinions. Power can be challenged and redefined. In such a world all people have the same rights, irrespective of gender, beliefs or sexual orientation.

In the open society domain, we work on freedom and accountability; women’s empowerment; and sexual rights and diversity. The free exchange of information, freedom of expression and the ability of citizens to influence decisions that affect them are essential in an open society. Everyone should be able to be who they are, whether they are male, female, gay, straight. Moreover, everyone should have the freedom to believe and say what they want, to challenge governments and influence the established order. As one’s freedom only ends where another person’s freedom begins.

About

Hivos was founded in 1968, inspired by humanist values. Our founders held the conviction that development work should be secular, as true cooperation presumes respect for differing beliefs. In our first ever brochure, our founders wrote that “necessary changes should spring from communities themselves – from people at the base of society.” These convictions are still reflected in our work.

We believe that human life in its many forms is valuable, and that people are filled with potential. Living a life in freedom and dignity, with respect for each other and the planet, leads to greater individual well-being and fair, vibrant societies.

 

Values

Freedom & Dignity
Every human being has the right to live in freedom and dignity. People should have the freedom to believe what they want, voice their opinions, and challenge and influence the established order.

Sustainable Use of our Planet’s Resources
We only have one planet. It offers vast riches, but they are not limitless and are already seriously degraded. For current and future generations to be able to prosper, sustainable use of the earth’s resources is paramount. This implies moving beyond merely reducing our negative environmental impact by actively restoring what has been degraded and favouring biodiversity.

Self-determination & Diversity
People should be able to make choices and decisions based on their own preferences and interests, regardless of their sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion. Each individual is unique, and individual differences lead to diversity.

Equality & Social Justice
We are not the same, but we are equal. We should be treated as such, and this should be reflected in the way our social and legal systems work.

Responsible Citizenship
Citizens have rights as well as duties. Taking care of the ones around us and living life without damaging others or our planet, should be a given.

 

Vision

They believe that every human being has the right to live in freedom and dignity, and that we are all free to be who they are, with respect for our individual gender and sexual identity. Living such a life means feeling free to believe and say what you want, to challenge governments and influence the established order. In exercising that freedom, we also carry the responsibility of not impinging on the freedom of others, and of respecting the natural limitations of the earth.

They believe in open societies, in which freedom and diversity are valued individually and collectively. Such a society welcomes diversity and offers equal opportunities to all. We also believe in green societies, in which the environment and the planet’s natural resources are protected and used sustainably to the benefit of every living creature on the planet. Open and green societies are interwoven: together they create a free, fair and sustainable world.