How FIRST Global's Vision Is Uniting the World through Interdependence and Responsibility


As I sit here, reflecting on the path that brought us here—the excitement of teamwork, the triumphs of overcoming challenges, and the inspiring moments of discovery—I am reminded of the bigger picture. Today, I’m writing about something that touches the heart of what drives all of us who believe in the power of collaboration: the vision of FIRST Global and the profound ideas captured in its "Declaration of Interdependence" and "Bill of Responsibilities."

This isn’t just about robots or competitions; it’s about the threads that weave us into a global community where innovation, empathy, and shared purpose light the way forward. As the technical mentor for a team of talented high school students representing Madagascar in the FIRST Global Challenge, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of this vision. It’s more than a competition—it’s a movement that inspires young minds to dream big and see their place in shaping a brighter, united world.

Let’s dive into the ideas that fuel this mission and explore why they resonate so deeply with all of us striving to make a difference.

Embracing Interdependence: A Vision for a Shared Future

Imagine this: an intricate network where every strand is connected, and a tug on one reverberates across the entire web. This is the essence of interdependence. FIRST Global’s "Declaration of Interdependence" captures this truth with striking clarity.

In today’s world, challenges don’t respect borders. Climate change, access to education, and the ethical use of technology are just a few of the issues that require collective action. The declaration reminds us that our differences aren’t barriers—they’re strengths. When we bring our unique talents, perspectives, and ideas to the table, we can build solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and transformative.

The Responsibilities We Share

With great power comes great responsibility—yes, it’s a classic, but it’s also incredibly relevant here. FIRST Global’s "Bill of Responsibilities" challenges us to think about the ethical and moral dimensions of progress.

This isn’t just about what we can do with technology; it’s about what we should do. It’s a call to action for everyone—students, mentors, teachers, and supporters alike. We all play a role in ensuring that science and innovation serve as tools for equity and empowerment rather than division or harm.

It’s a humbling reminder that every step we take forward is a chance to create ripples of positive change.

Building a Brighter World with STEM

At the core of FIRST Global’s vision is a commitment to STEM education that goes beyond the classroom. It’s about creating opportunities for young minds to experiment, innovate, and dream big.

But it’s also about teaching values: collaboration over competition, curiosity over complacency, and service over self-interest. When we empower young people with knowledge and a sense of responsibility, we’re not just preparing them for careers; we’re preparing them to lead humanity toward a better future.

A Journey We Take Together

What makes this vision so powerful is that it’s not about any one person, team, or nation. It’s about all of us. It’s about acknowledging our shared humanity and taking collective steps toward a world where progress is defined not by what we achieve alone, but by what we achieve together.

FIRST Global’s "Declaration of Interdependence" and "Bill of Responsibilities" aren’t just documents. They’re invitations to dream bigger, work harder, and connect deeper. They remind us that the road ahead isn’t always easy, but it’s worth every step when we walk it together.

Let’s take this challenge to heart—not just as participants in a program but as active citizens of a world that needs our creativity, kindness, and determination more than ever. Together, we have the power to make this vision a reality. So, what will your contribution be? Let’s dream, act, and build this better world together.


DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE

Declaration of Interdependence

We the people of FIRST Global – the students, teachers, the mentors, the sponsors, and their supporters – declare that the time has come for the world to recognize our interdependence on one another, and accordingly invite our fellow human beings to join us in working together to improve life on our planet for ourselves and future generations.

FIRST Global believes that all people have special gifts that make them innovators. Planet Earth’s problems cannot be solved by one individual or one nation. But when we work together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish – and we can share the benefits of our new inventions with the world.

By sharing and celebrating our common understanding of science and technology, FIRST Global is devoted to cooperative pursuit of a more peaceful world by innovating together to ensure the life, liberty, success, advancement, achievement, and happiness of others.

To secure the pursuit of these goals, the people of FIRST Global now declare the following guiding principles:

  • Throughout history, innovators have allowed us to rise from the ashes of our darkest hours with profoundly transformative innovations, made by individuals and nations with the courage and wisdom to look beyond geographic boundaries and recognize that ideas are strongest when combined.
  • To overcome the urgent challenges of today and the problems our planet will face tomorrow, we will work to ensure humankind will meet and surpass the incredible accomplishments of past innovators.
  • Science and technology can unite all peoples and can, without conflict or division, be used by all nations in a spirit of innovation and cooperation to combat our common enemies of poverty, food scarcity, disease, social and economic inequalities, ignorance, and even war.
  • Now, more than ever before, it is essential to promote the opportunity for all young people to master the universal laws of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, so that as global citizens today and world leaders tomorrow, they will work collectively to ensure an improved standard of well-being in a more sustainable, peaceful world.

Therefore, we proclaim this Declaration of Interdependence, and, with common understanding and appreciation of the urgent need for one another in the quest to improve the human condition today and in the future, formally recognize our dependence on each other – and invite others to join us.

BILL OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Bill of Responsibilities

In furtherance and support of the Declaration of Interdependence adopted by the people of FIRST Global – and appealing to our best natures and biggest dreams – we enthusiastically and confidently announce that with great power comes great responsibility. All of us have responsibilities: to ourselves, to each other, and to future generations. Accordingly, we mutually pledge to each other our inspiration, our empathy, and our understanding of the responsibilities set forth below.

  1. We promote peace by working together on science and technology projects. These undertakings foster common understanding and experiences.
  2. We treat everyone with unqualified kindness and respect. Empathy and hard work are the backbone of progress.
  3. We recognize the contributions of others. We learn more from each other than we do alone.
  4. We believe that the world does not need losers to have winners. One person’s success does not inevitably lead to another’s loss; instead, shared innovations can bring both rewards to innovators and a greater quality of life for all.
  5. We promote learning and creativity in our communities, our nations, and our world. Imagination and technology are essential tools to build a better future.
  6. We work to ensure that our own progress does not inhibit others. None of us can succeed at the expense of our fellow citizens.
  7. We love what we do. We share it with others and, in so doing, will not only drive our innovation, but also bring peace through collaboration.

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