Earth Charter

NOSSA supports the Earth Charter and its commitments. Learn more about this important document that addresses the relationship between human beings and the Earth.

The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for the building of a just global society that is sustainable and peaceful in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all peoples a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility toward the welfare of the whole human family and the greater community of life for future generations. It is a vision of hope and a call to action.

The Earth Charter is concerned with the transition to sustainable ways of living and sustainable human development. Ecological integrity is a major theme. However, the Earth Charter recognizes that the goals of environmental protection, poverty eradication, equitable economic development, human rights, democracy, and peace are interdependent and indivisible. Therefore, it offers a new, inclusive, and integrated ethical framework to guide the transition to a sustainable future.

The Earth Charter is the result of a decade of intercultural dialogue around common goals and shared values. The Earth Charter project started as a UN initiative, but developed into and was finalized as an initiative for a global civil society. In 2000, the Earth Charter Commission, an independent international entity, was completed and launched as a charter of the people.

The wording of the Earth Charter has involved the most inclusive and participatory process associated with the creation of an international declaration. This process is the primary source of its legitimacy as a guiding ethical framework. The document's legitimacy was strengthened by membership of over 4,500 organizations, including many governments and international organizations.

In light of this legitimacy, an increasing number of international lawyers recognize that the Earth Charter is acquiring the status of white law (soft law). Law documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are considered to be morally but not legally binding on state governments that agree to endorse them and adopt them, and often serve as the basis for developing a strictu sensu law ( hard law).

At a time when there is an urgent need to change the way we think and live, the Earth Charter challenges us to examine our values ​​and choose a better path. International alliances are increasingly necessary, and the Earth Charter encourages us to seek common features in the midst of our diversity and embrace a new global ethic which is shared by a growing number of people around the world. At a time when education for sustainable development has become essential, the Earth Charter provides a very valuable educational tool.

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