A conference of over 300 participants for a new era of peace, justice and ecological integrity
I have been working as a professional artist for over 25 years and during the past five years， since my ecoliteracy journey began， there has been a sort of tapping on my shoulder, persistent and with a magnetism backed by the irresistible pull of the Earth Charter preamble. The first few lines begin with this
We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.
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The Earth Charter centres around Respect and Care for the Community of Life, it is an ethical compass rooted in intergenerational justice, the rights of nature, planetary ethics and business values for a regenerative future .
I keep returning to this framework for different needs as I weave my way trying to improve my art practice . It began when I started ecoliteracy online courses with Dr Cathy Fitzgearld particularly when I was shaping the Memory Palace of Tree Stories. These learnings opened many windows discovering eco philosophers ranging from Gregory Bateson to Joanna Macy and even aspects of new vocabulary from Glen Albrect and also the concept of eco civilisation both in and outside of China. It was during these ecoliteracy learnings I first heard about the Earth Charter .
The Earth Charter asks us to consider ourselves as part of this vast evolutionary process whose continuing evolution is being shaped daily by our own decisions. It tries to balance conflicting tensions by weaving wisdom from history, culture and religion with contemporary knowledge from humanistic science and sustainable technology.
But what about art making and creativity , what roles do these play here？ Creativity is an integral part of the deep processes of life that highlight remarkable beauty and diversity of nature and humanity . I have mentioned in previous blogs on how the role of art can build skills such as resilience through collaborative learning and interdisciplinary learning. But art and creative practice can offer informal learning in communities through art and workshops which provide support and skill sets that formal education rarely provide.
Earlier this month in the Hague from July 1st to 3rd 2025 a three day packed event brought together people working worldwide , some long time Earth Charter specialists and others who have recently been learning about what this framework can offer organisations, educational institutions and individuals.
It is with great pride that some images of my artworks ( both Sucrose Series and Forest Breath paintings ) were used in the Earth Charter power point presentations at the Peace Palace The Hague and at Landgoed Zonheuvel.
Intergenerational justice
At the centre and working throughout all segments of the conference young leaders summarised on each of the breakout sessions at the large regrouping meetings. There was a persistent message throughout…. that intergenerational justice must become our ethical foundation. There was also a focus on the many forms of listening , from ancestral intelligence to acknowledging what is said and unsaid.
A big thank you to these impressive people with whom I had memorable conversations during this conference, many of whom gave presentations and especial thanks to Peter, Alide, Elizabeth and David who contributed a tree story for the Memory Palace of Tree Stories .
Prof Heather Eaton St Paul University， Canada
Prof Akezbi Ogbuigwe…Earth Charter International Nigeria
Elizabeth Wathuti Green Generation Kenya (gave a tree story)
Peter Akkerman Forest that owns Itself (gave a tree story)
Mirian Vilela Earth Charter International Executive Director
Song Li Earth Charter International Council, China
Joan Anderson Soka Gakkai International
Dieudonne Gakire Dusego Empowerment Hub Rwanda
Natascha Koolman Food Transition Movement NL
Alide Roerink ECI NL
Michael Bracken ECI Board Chairman
Lavinia Warnars iEarthnl
Neshan Gunasekera World Future Council
Hongtao Ji 冀 红涛 ECI China
Traci Pannullo Ridge and Valley Charter School NJ (first US school awarded EC seal)
Yorrin Dukker Grand Canyon
Alicia Jimenez ECI Costa Rica
The EC strives for a future where ecological protection, economic justice, and social well-being are intertwined calling for a global community that respects nature and humanity, and promotes a culture of peace. The gathering confirmed the essential role of the Earth Charter in contributing to the necessary transformation of education and policy. As the coordinating body of the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development, people from ECI continue to support the integration of care, and planetary consciousness into education contexts — particularly in support of youth, Indigenous communities, and local decision-makers.
The Earth Charter Document
The Earth Charter document starts with the Preamble, followed by the four pillars: Respect and Care for the Community of Life, Ecological Integrity, Social and Economic Justice, and Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace. It concludes with The Way Forward.
Links for Earth Charter
https://earthcharter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/echarter_english.pdf
https://earthcharter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/echarter_chinese.pdf
https://earthcharter.org/read-the-earth-charter/
A huge thank you to all who worked so hard on this conference , to make it the pleasure and joy it was for everyone who attended, meeting so many people working on varied programs was a reaffirming and supportive experience .