Our values are idealistic, reflecting our aspiration to uplift communities all over the world. Unless we always seek the best, we may fall short of our true potential.

• Health and happiness are everyone's birthright, not just 'the many' or 'the few'

We believe that happiness and well-being are the natural birthright of every human being. Transformational leaders aspire in their decisions and their actions to live up to this ideal, and care for the needs of everyone.

• We belong to a single human family

The human race is gloriously diverse according to race, religion and culture, but our common humanity is more important than any particular difference.

• Mankind can co-operate, not just compete

In caring for the needs of all, transformational leaders look to co-operate and find that which will unite, rather than that which only divides.

• Every young person can make a difference for the better

Everyone has the potential to bring about positive change in the world. All that is required is a clear purpose and the determination to keep going. We judge success not only by the size of the outcome, but also by the goodness of the intent behind it.

• The essence of leadership is service

The leader exists to serve the greater need and those being led, rather than just for personal gain. Leadership is often really about 'followership' – a state of being in which the leader is aware enough to recognise the greater need, and bold enough to follow it.

• The ends and the means are the same - we must be the change we wish to see in the world

The personal example of the leader is all important. Self discipline, integrity, courage and a clear intent to love and serve others are essential in the process of leading effective change.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Gandhi