About

About Living Values

Living Values is a non-profit company rooted in South Africa and connected to the world.

Who we are

We exist to advance a more values-conscious society in which values are consciously examined and find expression through everyday action.

Our work brings together people and organisations who recognise that values shape how we live together, how we lead, how organisations make decisions and how institutions contribute to society.

Living Values creates spaces in which values can be explored critically, informed by evidence and considered across different perspectives.

At the heart of our work is a simple invitation:
Be the shining example.

A world where values are lived consciously, enabling social justice, solidarity and sustainability.

Living values consciously means bringing greater awareness to what matters and allowing that awareness to inform how we behave, decide, relate and lead.

Social Justice

A society in which dignity, fairness and equity shape institutions and everyday choices.

Solidarity

A recognition of our interdependence and our responsibility towards one another.

Sustainability

Ways of living and organising society that recognise our responsibilities to the natural world and future generations.


To shine a light on living values consciously.

Living Values brings attention to the values shaping everyday life, leadership, organisations and society. Through research, advocacy, dialogue and partnership, we create opportunities for values to become visible, consciously considered and increasingly reflected in practice and institutions.

People in conversation

Principled Impartiality

Living Values creates space for critical engagement with values. Our role is to make values, beliefs, assumptions and tensions more visible; bring diverse perspectives and relevant evidence into dialogue; and support thoughtful and responsible judgement.

Principled impartiality values openness, critical inquiry and freedom of expression alongside responsibility for the dignity and rights of others. Our purpose is to strengthen the conditions for people to think consciously about values and the consequences of the choices that flow from them.

"Our purpose is to strengthen the conditions for people to think consciously about values and the consequences of the choices that flow from them."


From Values 20 South Africa to Living Values

Living Values builds on the legacy of Values 20 South Africa, the South African chapter of the global Values 20 movement. Values 20 was established as a global community of values experts, practitioners and thought leaders seeking to bring the role of values into global policy dialogue, particularly through engagement with the G20.

During South Africa's G20 year in 2025, Values 20 South Africa created a platform for research, advocacy, dialogue and collaboration under the theme of Living Values. The work explored the convening role of values in advancing social justice, solidarity and sustainability.

Living Values carries this work beyond the G20 cycle, building on the relationships, learning and momentum developed through Values 20 South Africa while creating an enduring South African platform for values-conscious inquiry and action.


People behind Living Values

Living Values is supported by people who contribute different forms of governance, coordination, advocacy and knowledge.

Stewardship & Governance

Provides governance, strategic direction and accountability.

Secretariat

Coordinates the organisation and supports delivery of priorities and programmes.

Living Values Advocates

Contribute to initiatives, engagement and the activation of priorities.

Research

Supports evidence, inquiry, learning and thought leadership across the work.