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28.3.2007

Report on Latin America Strategy for the UN DESD Released

Following up from the successful November 2006 meeting to accelerate the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (DESD), ECI has continued to support UNESCO by facilitating the development of a regional implementation strategy for all of Latin America.

27.3.2007

Earth Charter Youth Initiative Coming of Age

The Earth Charter Youth Initiative (ECYI) is experiencing renewed growth and activity. We are especially grateful to the generosity of Plan Netherlands for providing the funding necessary to take the Initiative to a new strategic level.

21.3.2007

Leonardo Boff: Rescue Your Capacity to Feel

On Tuesday, the 13th of March, the well-known Brazilian theologian and Earth Charter Commissioner, Leonardo Boff, offered an inspiring talk at the University for Peace entitled, “Is peace possible in a world of chaos?” He reflected on the ethical crisis we are experiencing and the lack of sensitivity demonstrated by modern society. He also addressed the urgent need to understand the notions of “Community of Life” and “Shared Responsibility” and made other inspiring reflections about the Earth Charter.

17.3.2007

Brink Expedition Carries the Earth Charter Around the World

The principles of the Earth Charter are taking a 50,000 kilometer journey up, down, and around the world along with Kendon Glass and the members of the Brink Expedition, who are attempting to use only human power and the natural elements for their travels.

 

Kendon’s current position on the globe is in Lijian, China, and he has visited schools and every kind of community to teach about the Charter, from the heart of Amazonian South America across the Atlantic through Europe and the Middle East, into South Asia, and uphill into Tibet, Autonomous Region of China. The final destination is the teams home in Australia.

08.3.2007

Mateo Castillo Ceja Continues to Inspire in Mexico

Mateo Castillo Ceja — ECI Affiliate in Mexico, ECI Council member, and one of the first winners of the “Máximo T. Kalaw, Jr.” Prize — continues to bring the Earth Charter ever more deeply into the heart of Mexico. Mateo was recently invited by the Government of President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa to collaborate with the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, and assume the role of ‘Titular en la Unidad Coordinadora de Participación Social y Transparencia’ (Custodian of the Social Participation and Transparency Coordination Unit). His new position within government is “in compliance with the regulations and principles that are the base of the National Development Plan and in accordance with the Environment and Natural Resources National Program.” His new duties are also perfectly in the spirit of the Earth Charter, which he will continue to promote from his new position in Mexico‘s federal government. Congratulations, Mateo!

01.3.2007

World Economic Forum Young Leaders Say, "Love the Earth"

ECI was inspired to learn about a new initiative launched by the Forum of Young Global Leaders at the last World Economic Forum in Davos. The Love Initiative aims to encourage businesses around the world to examine their impact on the environment and work towards more sustainable practices, including behavioral change on the part of customers. A key part of this new campaign is the “Book of Love,” a motivational guidebook for companies interested in reducing their CO2 emissions (while increasing profits).

15.2.2007

Oxford University Seminar Kicks Off Earth Charter UK, Wangari Maathai as Special Guest

On 9-10 February, a special seminar on “The Earth Charter, Past and Future” was held at Exeter College, one of the oldest colleges at Oxford University. The Earth Charter UK Trust was formally launched at this seminar to the music of New Orleans Jazz, and with the powerful symbol of a special tree planting ceremony, whose special guest of honor was Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Earth Charter Commissioner, Wangari Maathai.