I see the biggest challenge we face in working on a code of ethics for health promotion to be formulating an ethical code that speaks on behalf of all the people of the world, despite their religious or secular beliefs.
Codes of ethics are usually designed for specific professions and organisations, and while health promotioners are also professionals, I think that the holistic and universal nature of health promotion requires that we spend some time reflecting on what health promotion is.
Health promotion is founded on a set of principes and strategies for health for a whole world of people, but the philosophy of health promotion does not concern itself with the details of how things should be done. The principles and strategies of health promotion are "overarching", intended to be applied according to settings and needs, and I think we need a code of ethics that reflects this.
We can't make an ethical code that tells people what to do, but we can provide an ethical framework that guides people in thought and in action, no matter where in the world they live.
I think that a code of ethics for health promotion needs to be grounded in the Ottawa Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the document Towards a Global Ethic (there may also be others) that are universal and that have a view of humanity that is positive, caring and inclusive.
Looking forward to all that lies ahead in this exciting and challenging work.
Best wishes
Gabrielle
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