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Globalization and Sustainable Development:
A series of conversations now known as the Earth Dialogues were inspired by our belief in the need to generate new energy and impetus to drive the movement to place ethics and human values at the heart of the struggle to harmonize the globalization process with sustainable development. The discovery that this belief is shared by so many experienced and influential representatives of governments, civil society, religion, business and international organizations, and that a growing body of people are ready to take and support action to promote common goals, is the most significant outcome of the first Earth Dialogues. All participants expressed the feeling of emergency; the Earth is in danger, and sustainable solutions must be rapidly found to reduce the world's soaring poverty rates, address the growing gap between North and South, confront the grossly unequal access to education and medical treatment, and combat global insecurity. The Earth Dialogues achieved the goal of providing an open and neutral forum where all parties to the globalization and sustainable development debates could share their views and visions and develop solutions together. Five key areas of consensus emerged: Ethics - There is an urgent need to change our priorities, to correct the forces that promote material wealth over global welfare and justice, and to reinforce the fundamental values that form the basis of human civilization all over the planet - compassion and respect for each other and the natural environment, tolerance and solidarity, and the pursuit of peace. The Earth Charter was welcomed as a peoples' document providing an ethical framework equally applicable to guiding the choices of individuals, companies and states. The Rule of Law - These universal values must be translated into appropriate and enforceable legal instruments dedicated to sustainable development. Essential principles, such as the polluter-pays and precautionary principles, should be fully recognized by international and national laws and regulate the activities of all sectors. Sovereignty - The changing nature of the state, and the increase in influence of the private sector and civil society, is one of the major shifts of recent decades. The political landscape is more complex, with multiple, and often conflicting, power bases which need to be integrated and cooperative. Many of the most serious problems faced today, such as climate change, epidemics and terrorism, have no respect for national borders and their solutions must also be found in the international arena. Sovereignty over our common resources rests with individuals; the decisions they make and the resources they use, and those made and used on their behalf by governments, must take the rest of the world, as well as future generations, into account. The concept of being a Citizen of the World has become a reality, and every person must be aware of their global responsibilities. Security - There will never be genuine, lasting security in the world while inequality and injustice are so universally evident. The goals of poverty eradication and protecting our environment must be intrinsically linked with the promotion of peace and security. The tragedy of September 11 demonstrated that every individual's personal security is at risk, and that no one can afford to ignore the suffering and frustration of others; this realization should fortify our resolve to achieve sustainable development not distract us from it. Action - We do not have the luxury of time. Action is urgently needed, and to make it possible will require: a strong ethical framework; political courage on the part of world leaders; reform of the current systems of global governance and financial regulation; increased and better targeted official development assistance; and heightened individual awareness and commitment worldwide. It is our great privilege to present here (www.earthdialogues.org) the main challenges and proposals identified during the first Earth Dialogues to the wider international community in this significant year of reflection and preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. This Summit is offering the world an opportunity to make solid commitments to action and reform which it cannot afford to miss. Mikhail Gorbechev is president of Green Cross International (http://www.greencrossinternational.net/). Maurice Strong is chairman of the Earth Council (www.ecouncil.ac.cr). |
