--- title: "World Vegetarian Congress - Historic Declaration for a Compassionate World in the 21st Century - IVU - International Vegetarian Union" description: "World Vegetarian Congress - Historic Declaration for a Compassionate World in the 21st Century: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience" url: "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3712-congress-thai99-program-nitin.html" date: "2026-11-06T00:16:18+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- # World Vegetarian Congress - Historic Declaration for a Compassionate World in the 21st Century **International Vegetarian Union (IVU)** | ![IVU logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/members/pics/ivu-con4.gif) | | |---|---| | ![Congress Logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/congress/thai99/pics/logo99.gif) **33rd World Vegetarian Congress** Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 *'Vegetarianism is the Way'* an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience Historic Declaration for a Compassionate World in the 21st Century On 4th January 1999 in Chiang Mai Thailand, at the innauguration of the 33rd World Vegetarian Congress, a statement of intent - a mission statement of historic importance - will be made to delegates brought together by the International Vegetarian Union from every continent on Earth. The statement sets a goal for the human race to create a world which is compassionate, merciful and planet friendly. The declaration will inspire and motivate generations of people throughout the world in the coming century until the goal is achieved. The text is as follows. THE WORLD-WIDE MILLENNIUM PLEDGE We hereby pledge to bring about a 21st century in which the human race will finally make peace with the animal kingdom. Human beings will no longer kill, maim, torture or exploit fellow beings for food or other purposes. Animals will have fundamental rights which will be internationally recognised. It is clear beyond any doubt that the survival of the human race depends upon the survival of the forests and other natural resources and of the animals with whom we share this planet. We pledge to protect all of them. We oppose the introduction of animal genes into human beings and the genetic manipulation of animals and plants. The human race will reach the pinnacle of civilisation when it extends the hand of friendship and compassion to the animal kingdom and returns to the healthy plant-based diet best suited to the moral and physical needs of our species, thus avoiding the related evils of animal exploitation, human starvation and environmental destruction. At the close of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, let us make a tryst with destiny to create a world free of violence towards all living beings who are dependent on our love and compassion. Together let us embark on that long journey which will bring about a world in which all animals are treated with compassion and mercy and accorded rights that human beings take for granted. NITIN MEHTA - The Millenium Pledge: The Chance of a Lifetime A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly. Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value. - Hits: 1009 ### Vegan Recipes - [![Tanzanian Green Tomato Chutney](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/tanzanian-green-tomato-chutney-1777319686_e3b477af9e5d0ff2d267e0c0ae00ccca.jpg "Tanzanian Green Tomato Chutney")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/tanzanian-green-tomato-chutney.html "Tanzanian Green Tomato Chutney") #### [Tanzanian Green Tomato Chutney](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/tanzanian-green-tomato-chutney.html "Tanzanian Green Tomato Chutney") [Sauces](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/sauces.html) [Starters & side dishes](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/snack-side-dishes.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) [Tanzania](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/tanzania.html) - [![LEMONGRASS CHILI SOY SAUCE PAIRED WITH FRIED TOFU](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th10%20423_62acc16bc42cda2b66eddd74c446879b.jpg "LEMONGRASS CHILI SOY SAUCE PAIRED WITH FRIED TOFU")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/lemongrass-chili-soy-sauce-paired-with-fried-tofu.html "LEMONGRASS CHILI SOY SAUCE PAIRED WITH FRIED TOFU") #### [LEMONGRASS CHILI SOY SAUCE PAIRED WITH FRIED TOFU](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/lemongrass-chili-soy-sauce-paired-with-fried-tofu.html "LEMONGRASS CHILI SOY SAUCE PAIRED WITH FRIED TOFU") [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) [Sauces](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/sauces.html) [Stir Fry](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/fake-meats-tofu-etc-2.html) - [![Almond Mozzarella Vegan Cheese](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/almond-cheese_62214cae459ef17725683fd091c5a8c0.jpg "Almond Mozzarella Vegan Cheese")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/almond-mozzarella-vegan-cheese.html "Almond Mozzarella Vegan Cheese") #### [Almond Mozzarella Vegan Cheese](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/almond-mozzarella-vegan-cheese.html "Almond Mozzarella Vegan Cheese") [Vegan Cheese](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vegan-cheese.html) ### VFA Blog - [![Celebrating Christmas with Joy and Awareness: How to Make a Memorable Vegan Party](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/natal_vegano_2_0616400346d9543bba3d0e58a50b8112.png "Celebrating Christmas with Joy and Awareness: How to Make a Memorable Vegan Party")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/celebrating-christmas-with-joy-and-awareness-how-to-make-a-memorable-vegan-party.html "Celebrating Christmas with Joy and Awareness: How to Make a Memorable Vegan Party") #### [Celebrating Christmas with Joy and Awareness: How to Make a Memorable Vegan Party](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/celebrating-christmas-with-joy-and-awareness-how-to-make-a-memorable-vegan-party.html "Celebrating Christmas with Joy and Awareness: How to Make a Memorable Vegan Party") - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/celebrating-christmas-with-joy-and-awareness-how-to-make-a-memorable-vegan-party.html) ### Science - 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[ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular 5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular 5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular 4558 downloads ### Nutrition - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular 603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular 2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular 3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular 4052 downloads ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults In 2 versions: - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html) [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html) ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Vegan Nutrition ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png) ### Presidents, Chair and Council - 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