The Contribution of Business to

Promoting the Principles of the Earth Charter

The Rio +20 Summit in June of this year at one level could be seen as a major

disappointment in terms of lack of commitments from governments and

international policy-makers towards a more sustainable planet. However, the

engagement from civil society organisations and the private sector

demonstrates that it is above all peoples’, communities and organisations

around the world who will lead the change. As one participant from the UK

stated in her report to Earth Charter UK stated:

‘To me, the Earth Summit was a firm confirmation that we are

moving into a new era of grass roots movement and

empowerment. Change is not going to be initiated by

governments or international agreements. Policy makers will

be the followers not the trailblazers of a sustainable future.’

The Earth Charter established at Rio twenty years ago can in our view be one

of the key documents that can inspire people, movements and businesses

promote the changes that are needed. The Earth Charter is a unique document

globally, offering a vision of basic values to provide an ethical foundation for the

emerging world community. The Earth Charter is unique in bringing together

statements about the need for sustainable development and linking them to

human social values and ethical goals. Sustainable development here means

"development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the

ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Earth Charter UK aims to promote the vision described in the Earth Charter in

the UK, with the ultimate aim of establishing a sound ethical foundation for the

emerging global society promoting transition to a sustainable lifestyle based on

the principles of:

- respect and care for the community of life in all its diversity

- ecological integrity

- social and economic justice,

- democracy, non-violence and conciliation.

Within funding from DFID, Earth Charter UK has been working with a range of

companies over the past three years to promote awareness and understanding

of global and development issues through the lens of the Charter. The success

of this project mirrors other evidence around the world of private sector

engagement with building awareness and understanding of sustainable

development.1

Earth Charter UK is an organisation that seeks to facilitate dialogue between

various stakeholders in society in understanding and engaging with sustainable

development sees the private sector as a key component of the next phase of

its activities.

Key themes and issues therefore Earth Charter UK is seeking to encourage are:

- How can the principles of the Charter be reflected within the learning

culture and practices of companies?

- What role can the private sector play in encouraging dialogue and

engagement with other stakeholders in society in developing greater

understanding and support for the principles of the Charter?

- The private sector can play an important role in influencing the views and

opinions of the public on sustainable development. Can the Earth

Charter play a role in this?

Douglas Bourn,

Chair of Earth Charter UK

18 July 2012

1 http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002164/216472e.pdf