Earth Trusteeship and Intergenerational Justice
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Listen to this episode: Duration: 58 min.
Quick Overview
In this podcast episode, we discuss the Earth Charter, the Hague Principles, and the concept of Earth Trusteeship, as well as the connection between trusteeship and ethics. We reflect on what Earth Trusteeship means, why it is important, and how it builds on the Earth Charter. We also explore Earth Trusteeship education, intergenerational justice, the Rights of Future Generations, The Pact for the Future, and the roles of states and citizens in these matters. Additionally, we delve into the 2023 book Reflections on Earth Trusteeship: Mother Earth and a New 21st-Century Governance Paradigm, edited by Justin Sobion and Hans van Willenswaard.
This interview emphasizes the message that “We are all Earth Trustees, and we have a responsibility to one another and to future generations… and the importance of the rights of future generations.”
Questions and Topics Addressed in this Episode
- What is Earth Trusteeship, why is this concept important, and where did it originate? How is it linked to the idea of an Earth Ethic and the Earth Charter?
- What are the key ideas presented in the 2023 book Reflections on Earth Trusteeship: Mother Earth and a New 21st-Century Governance Paradigm, edited by Justin Sobion and Hans van Willenswaard?
- What are your views on Intergenerational Justice, the Rights of Future Generations, and the Pact for the Future, and why are they important?
- What is the International Court of Justice process regarding the obligations of states in respect to climate change?
- How do you envision moving forward with your work and its relationship to the Earth Charter?
Neshan Gunasekera & Justin Sobion
Earth Trusteeship and Intergenerational Justice
Who are Neshan Gunasekera and Justin Sobion ?
Neshan Gunasekera, is an international lawyer, educationist, leadership coach, facilitator and environmentalist from Sri Lanka. He is currently a Co-Chair of the Earth Trusteeship Initiative – Working Group and a Councilor of the World Future Council.Between 2008 – 2012, he Directed the Training for Trusteeship Programme, which brought together international students from various parts of the world to Sri Lanka. This programme utilized the Earth Charter both in principle application and as a guide for its training and follow up projects. In 2024, he was involved in drafting the People’s Pact for the Future. Neshan holds membership in several organizations and networks, including IUCN, World Ethics Forum, Climate Rights International and is currently, Co-Chair, Earth Trusteeship Initiative – Working Group, CEO and Councilor, World Future Council and Lead Counsel, on Peace, Governance and Future Generations, Centre for International Sustainable Development Law.
Justin Sobion is an international environmental lawyer from Trinidad and Tobago. He is a law graduate from the University of the West Indies and was called to the Bar to practise law in Trinidad and Tobago (2002) and Dominica (2008). Justin holds a Master’s degree (University of Cape Town) and a PhD (University of Auckland) in Law.
After spending some time in private practice, Justin served as the First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He later worked as an Associate Human Rights Officer at the Office of the President of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Currently, he teaches law at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He served as the ICJ Caribbean Coordinator for the ICJ climate change advisory opinion and acted as Counsel for two Caribbean states (Grenada and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines). Justin is also the Coordinator of the Earth Trusteeship Working Group.
This podcast is developed by Earth Charter International as part of our work as UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter.
