The Hague & Doorn, The Netherlands – July 1–3, 2025
As conflict headlines dominate and climate records shatter, two opposing visions of global security converge in The Hague. Just days after NATO reinforced military alliances, a different gathering will take place: Earth Charter+25 — a strategic convening focused not on power, but on ethics.
From July 1–3, more than 200 participants from over 40 countries will meet in the Netherlands to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Earth Charter — a global declaration of ethical principles for a just, sustainable, and peaceful world.
Held at iconic locations including the Peace Palace and Zonheuvel Estate, Earth Charter+25 is not a ceremonial milestone. It is a critical moment of collective reflection and action. Fuel by a sense of urgency and resolve. Educators, Indigenous leaders, policymakers, youth activists, and business pioneers will explore what true peace and ethical stand requires in an age of ecological collapse, rising inequality, and democratic erosion.
Key themes include:
- Intergenerational justice
- The rights of nature
- Planetary consciousness
- Business ethics for a regenerative economy
In a powerful symbolic gesture, the Peace Palace will transform into a hub of art, dialogue, and intergenerational exchange — reclaiming diplomacy not just for nations, but for the planet itself. Holding the space of a of a global lighthouse of hope.
Building on past declarations, Earth Charter+25 event will generate concrete outputs: alliances, knowledge sharing and proposals for integrating ethics into global frameworks such as the UN Global Stocktake and post-2030 SDGs. We mention the “Business and Ethics: Bringing a Planetary Ethics of Care” forum, convening entrepreneurs, union leaders, and systems thinkers to generate the input for a Business Ethics Values Declaration. This declaration urges companies to align their modus operandi with a planetary consciouness and an ethic of care for the common good of all (present and future generations) inspired by the Earth Charter principles and act as stewards of life, not merely shareholders — feeding into upcoming ethical frameworks, including COP30 in Brazil.
As the event closes with a youth-led circle beneath the trees of Zonheuvel, one message will ring clear: peace is not a treaty; it is a way of being and doing. Security must be redefined — as food sovereignty, ecological balance, clean air, and dignity for all.
In a world in flux, the Earth Charter stands as a compass — not only to navigate the crisis, but to chart a path forward grounded in conscience, care, and collective action.
Jessica den Outer – founder Rights of Nature Foundation and movement The Netherlands; Akpezi Ogbuigwe – Nigerian educator and Earth Charter International Council Chair; Sam Crowell – Emeritus professor of holistic education, long-time advisor for Earth Charter International; Severn Cullis Suzuki – Environmental activist since childhood; Jan van de Vernis – acting ombudsperson Future Generations the Netherlands; – Elizabeth Wathuti – Kenyan climate leader; founder of Green Generation Initiative; Mirian Vilela – Executive Director of Earth Charter International and UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainability with the Earth Charter.
Contact: [email protected] – Veronique Swinkels (+31-651572672) – Paul Lubbers +34-605850348
