WKM is a legally registered not-for-profit organization with no political, commercial or religious affiliations. The formation of the organisation crystallised at a conference in Tokyo on 20th September 1997 when Japan brought together like-minded kindness organisations from around the world for the first time.
WKM is now recognised as the peak global body for Kindness and whilst not a governing body it is a platform for collaboration and sharing. The mission of the WKM is to inspire individuals towards greater kindness by connecting nations to create a kinder world. Members of the movement include over 27 nations with representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea,Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, the USA and Zimbabwe.
Following the elections at the London 7th General Assembly in 2012 the kindness torch was passed from Singapore to Australia for the first time, Australia was appointed as the organisation’s Secretariat.
The 8th General Assembly in 2014 saw China, France, Switzerland and Thailand appointed to the International Council for the fist time. Australia, India, Nigeria and South Korea were re-elected to serve second terms with the expectation to implement the global strategies developed to bring about positive change whereby all nations of the world can be united under a Coalition of the Good-willing.
In 2017 at the 9th General Assembly in Seoul we welcome WKM’s new International Council representing South Korea, Switzerland, India, Australia, Netherlands, Nigeria, China, Mexico who strive to inspire its members and our world leaders, that the vision of a kinder world can be realised in our lifetime.
In 2019 at the 10th General Assembly in Lugano we welcome WKM’s new International Council representing Switzerland, India, Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia, South Korea.