May 12, 2026
On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, United Bible Societies (UBS) has unveiled “The Bible for Tomorrow: A Global Commitment to Future Christian Generations,” a landmark declaration reaffirming its mission to make the Bible accessible to all and nurture faith among future generations.
Representing a global Fellowship of 156 Bible Societies, UBS issued this declaration as both a renewal of its historic vision – the Bible for everyone – and a forward-looking promise to serve a rapidly changing world marked by uncertainty, spiritual searching, and renewed openness to faith.
The anniversary was marked with an in-person event in Jakarta (6-11 May 2026), alongside a global online gathering that included representatives from Bible Societies worldwide.
Although the United Bible Movement was officially established in May 1946, in the aftermath of the Second World War, it draws on more than two hundred years of global Bible ministry.
Dirk Gevers, Secretary General of United Bible Societies, said: “As we mark 80 years of shared service, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness and for the countless people who have made the Bible available across languages, cultures, and generations since the beginning of the 19th century when our global Bible movement started. This Declaration is not only a reflection on our past; it is a vision casting for the future. We believe the Bible continues to offer hope, truth, and direction for young people and for all who seek meaning in a complex world. Together with churches and partners around the world, we dedicate ourselves anew to the vision entrusted to us: the Bible for everyone.”
A Response to a Changing World
The declaration arrives at a time when today’s global landscape is shaped by conflict, instability, and moral complexity, conditions that deeply affect younger generations. Many young people report feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their future. Despite feeling overwhelmed by these challenges, UBS notes a significant rise in spiritual curiosity among youth. Bible Societies globally observe increased engagement through specific youth-focused projects, finding that the Bible provides an “anchor of enduring values” regarding truth, justice, and peace.
“The Bible offers an anchor of enduring values and hope,” the declaration states, “speaking into the deepest human questions of truth, belonging, justice, and peace.”
Six Commitments for the Future
In response, UBS has outlined six key commitments aimed at ensuring the flourishing of future Christian generations:
- Spiritual Dependence: Seeking God’s guidance through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
- Universal Access: Expanding Bible availability across languages, formats, and socio-economic contexts.
- Deep Engagement: Encouraging reflection, discipleship, and lifelong interaction with Scripture.
- Cultural Relevance: Supporting diverse expressions of Scripture, including digital, audio, and sign languages.
- Church Partnership: Equipping churches globally for effective, interconfessional ministry.
- Holistic Mission: Integrating Bible engagement with compassion, justice, and service.
A Call to Global Partnership
UBS is calling on churches, ministries, and people of goodwill worldwide to join this shared mission: ensuring that future generations are rooted in Scripture and prepared to navigate a complex world with faith, resilience, and purpose.
A Vision of Hope
Looking ahead, UBS expresses hope for a future where new generations:
- Engage deeply with Scripture as a source of wisdom and hope
- Inherit a vibrant, diverse, and loving Church
- Participate actively in God’s mission with courage and compassion
“With humility and confidence in God’s faithfulness,” the declaration concludes, “we dedicate ourselves anew to the vision entrusted to us: the Bible for everyone, now and for generations yet to come.”
Notes
About United Bible Societies
Founded in 1946, United Bible Societies (UBS) is a global Fellowship of 156 Bible Societies working in more than 240 countries and territories. In partnership with churches across all major Christian traditions, UBS helps make the Bible available in languages and formats people can understand and use, including print, digital, audio, braille, and sign-language formats.
As a leader in Bible translation, UBS has contributed to over 70% of the world’s full translations, enabling more than 6.2 billion people to access Scripture in their primary language. Beyond translation, the fellowship supports global ministry through Bible printing, distribution, Scripture engagement such as literacy, trauma healing, creation care and serving diaspora communities.
The Declaration for Future Christian Generations
The text of the declaration can be accessed here.
Media Contact:
United Bible Societies Communications Office
Email: comms@unitedbiblesocieties.org
Website: www.unitedbiblesocieties.org
