Twenty-five years ago, the Earth Charter was launched in a ceremony held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. This year, we returned to the same place that witnessed the birth of the Earth Charter to celebrate all that has been accomplished since, as well as to look ahead at what more can be done to raise awareness of the Charter and address our shared challenges. This anniversary event was organized in collaboration with the Earth Charter Netherlands Committee and Earth Charter International.
It was a 3-day event, held in three different locations, with 340 participants from 35 countries, 92 speakers, and 7 musical performances. Intergenerational justice and collaboration permeated the entire gathering, which brought together Earth Charter Young Leaders, educators, affiliated and partner organizations, ECI Council members, and many new friends.
Day 1: July 1st, Scheveningen, The Hague
The event began at the Bilderberg Europa Hotel, near the beach. The day started with a symbolic ceremony called “Light Across Generations”, in which two candles were lit—one for past generations and their legacy, the other for the present and future. As each candle was lit by different participants, the ritual symbolized collaboration and shared responsibility across time and generations. This ceremony marked the start of each conference day throughout the week.
Mindahi Bastida, an Indigenous leader from Mexico, joined Pauline E. Tangiora, Māori and Earth Charter Commissioner from Aotearoa/New Zealand, in offering a blessing to open the event. The blessing was given to María Sosa-Segnini (Costa Rica), the new Earth Charter Youth Coordinator, and Chloé Bernardino, Earth Charter Young Leader (France), as a symbol of intergenerational dialogue, wisdom, and justice.
The morning was dedicated to networking, allowing participants to meet, connect, and share their work with the Earth Charter. After lunch, everyone gathered to hear from Earth Charter Commissioners Pauline E. Tangiora and Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp (Netherlands), along with ECI Executive Director Mirian Vilela, Council Members Paul Lubbers, Michael Bracken, and Alide Roerink, and youth representative Laura M. Rodriguez (Colombia). Together, they set the stage for the days to come, offering an overview of the Earth Charter’s 25-year journey.
Parallel sessions then explored the Earth Charter network’s key areas of impact: education, global governance, Earth laws, and intergenerational justice.
Participants reunited in a plenary session for an intergenerational exchange between Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Earth Charter Commissioner from Canada—who was a youth representative during the Charter’s drafting—and Mahlet Grima, an Earth Charter Young Leader from Ethiopia.
To close the day’s formal sessions, Mirian Vilela introduced three upcoming books, each focused on the Earth Charter and its relevance to planetary well-being, ecological civilization, Education for Sustainable Development, and global citizenship.
Eighteen new affiliate agreements were signed on the first day, and we’re thrilled to welcome these institutions to the Earth Charter Network.
Flashmob and Networking at the Beach
Participants were invited to dinner at a beachside location within walking distance of the venue. After a delicious organic meal, everyone moved to the beach to form a circle representing the Earth Charter logo. It was a powerful visual expression of unity—and, of course, a lot of fun! The moment concluded with a beautiful ocean sunset.
Ayla Castle delivered a musical performance of “Gracias a la vida”, a song famously interpreted by Mercedes Sosa—an Earth Charter Commissioner—at the conclusion of the Earth Charter drafting process at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, March 2000.
Day 2: July 2nd, Peace Palace, The Hague
The second day took place in a beautiful auditorium overlooking the Peace Palace and its gardens. The day was filled with inspiring presentations, moments of artistic expression, and thoughtful conversation.
Claudy Jongstra presented “The Guernica de la Ecología”, a remarkable work of art that remained on display in the auditorium throughout the day, while FRÉ (@fretheband) performed “I Am for You Are”, a song she composed especially for the Earth Charter 25th anniversary.
A group of young leaders was invited to listen attentively to the presentations and engage in dialogue, with a special focus on the perspectives of future generations, nature, and voices that are often overlooked. Their reflections helped amplify these viewpoints and added meaningful depth to the conversations.
Five Earth Charter network members were recognized for their long-standing contributions:
- Mateo Castillo (Mexico)
- Grian Cutanda (Spain)
- Alicia Jimenez (Costa Rica)
- Klaus Bosselmann (Germany/New Zealand)
- Alide Roerink (Netherlands)
Day 2 featured four panels with 14 speakers. Recordings can be viewed here:
Day 3: July 3rd, Landgoed Zonheuvel, Doorn
The final day was held in nature, surrounded by forests—a reminder of the Earth Charter’s deep connection with the natural world. The day began with the candle-lighting ceremony, followed by presentations from five young leaders representing One World Citizens from We Grow Together. These youth shared powerful projects that highlighted the importance of non-formal peace and climate education for all young people.
Two additional panels focused on ecological and ethical literacy and innovative approaches to education using the Earth Charter. The conference report offers more in-depth insights into the ideas discussed.
Afternoon parallel sessions gave participants the opportunity to:
- Walk through the “forest that owns itself”
- Experience the Deep Time Walk
- Learn about storytelling
- Watch the film “Wade in the Water”
- Share experiences in education and sustainability
- Discuss business and ethics
- Participate in an intergenerational dialogue
The closing session was held under the trees in a breathtaking natural setting, where participants reflected on everything shared and learned. Short presentations summarized each of the afternoon sessions.
Mirian Vilela received a well-deserved recognition from Paul Lubbers for her ongoing dedication to the Earth Charter movement. Mindahi Bastida and elder Pauline Tangiora then offered a closing blessing.
Much more took place during the formal program and in the moments in between—conversations over lunch, dinner, and coffee breaks added richness to the event.
This outstanding gathering will surely continue to generate ripple effects, carried forward by each participant into their countries, communities, and spheres of action.
Click here to watch a short documentary capturing the voices of several participants.
Click here to view the photo album.
Special thanks to our sponsors for helping make this event truly memorable. Your generous support played a key role in bringing this celebration to life.
