The Earth Charter is a declaration of interdependence.

An international statement of fundamental principles and values for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society.

Created by the largest global consultation process ever associated with an international declaration, endorsed by thousands of organizations representing millions of individuals, the Earth Charter represents an ethical vision of interdependence and the responsibility we share for the sustainable well-being of all life. It is often called a “people’s treaty” because the content originated from people in 78 countries, not from governments.

These principles are also based upon contemporary science, international law, and the insights of philosophy and religion. Successive drafts of the Earth Charter were circulated around the world for comments and debate by nongovernmental organizations, community groups, professional societies, and international experts in many fields.

The principles illustrate not only our interconnectedness with one another and with our environment, but also the interconnectedness of the issues critical to our future--ecological integrity, social and economic justice, democracy, nonviolence and peace.

At a time when major changes in how we think and live are urgently needed, the Earth Charter challenges us to examine our values and to choose a better way. It calls on us to search for common ground in the midst of our diversity and to embrace a new ethical vision that is shared by growing numbers of people in many nations and cultures throughout the world.