The United Nations (UN) drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 75 years ago in response to the atrocities of World War II. In pursuit of global peace, security and cooperation, the UN set these international standards to guide how we should treat each other as human beings. The 30 articles of the UDHR define our fundamental rights and freedoms: dignity; liberty; equality; the right to life and prohibition of slavery; individual rights in society; and spiritual, political, economic and cultural freedoms.

We have yet to live those ideals to the fullest. From sexual harassment and poor race relations to voter suppression and extrajudicial killings, even the U.S. falls short in turning these lofty standards into widespread reality. Why?

Educating individuals on these concepts can be a daunting task, and no one group is assigned to take it on. People in positions of power bear the responsibility of influence if we expect human rights to become a lived practice. Politicians have only been able to do so much. It’s time for business leaders to step up.

For the corporate world to go from a mindset of dollar signs and bottom lines to taking up the lofty banner of human rights, we need a new age of transformation—corporate cultures based on compassion, respect and understanding for all. Once we understand these ideals, leaders can blaze the trail, setting an example through action. To ensure we are acting as agents of transformation in our leadership, we can:

  • Create a declaration of culture. 
  • Constitute culture ambassadors.
  • Educate your team members.
  • Know your staff on a deeper level.
  • Begin in your backyard.

To spark change and speak out against injustice, you need to call it by its name—ensure your staff knows all 30 of their human rights thoroughly. Bring light to negative behavior, ask questions about it and communicate ways for employees to act on causes they feel passionate about. When leaders model responsibility by curbing harmful and unethical behavior, they nurture a like-minded culture in their teams.

Personal responsibility in this new age of transformation will be paramount. As Americans, we love our liberties. But for everyone to have them, we must balance that with action and responsibility. Otherwise, those freedoms degenerate into corruption and degradation. As leaders, we can play a part by becoming pioneers of corporate ecosystems that foster understanding, respect and compassion around human rights—for the success of our people and our companies.

Read the full article about how business leaders can make an impact by Trish Joy Duggan at Forbes.