Handbook English - Earth Charter Initiative

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VIII. Earth Charter Endorsement
Endorsement of the Earth Charter by individuals or organizations signifies a commitment to the spirit
and aims of the document. It is an indication that they intend to utilize the Earth Charter in ways
that are appropriate given their situation. For example, an organization might use the document to
review its operations and modify its activities so that they better reflect the principles of the Earth Charter,
and it might integrate the Earth Charter into its educational programmes. Endorsement also means a commitment
to work for the implementation of the values and principles of the Earth Charter and a readiness to
cooperate with others in this endeavor. There are many other ways that those who endorse the Earth Charter
can help to advance the objectives of the Earth Charter Initiative.
Endorsement is one of the ways the Earth Charter has acquired legitimacy. The legitimacy of the Earth
Charter as a guiding ethical framework comes primarily from the inclusive global process that generated
the document. However, the endorsement of the Earth Charter since its launch in 2000 by over 5,000
organizations that represent the interests of hundreds of millions of people is another source of the Earth
Charter’s legitimacy as an ethical guide.
Endorsement of the Earth Charter is open to anyone and any institution. Earth Charter International
makes a concerted effort to verify endorsements and ECI assumes that endorsement includes an agreement
that the Endorser may be publicly identified as an Earth Charter Endorser.
Endorsement Statement on ECI Website:
Endorsement of the Earth Charter involves agreeing to and signing the following statement:
“We, the undersigned, endorse the Earth Charter. We embrace the spirit and aims of the document. We
pledge to join the global partnership for a just, sustainable, and peaceful world and to work for the realization
of the values and principles of the Earth Charter.”
Additionally, it is expected that an Endorser will:
1. Actively promote the Earth Charter and follow the Action Guidelines stated in Section VI.
2. Contribute to the Earth Charter Initiative and to Earth Charter-inspired action projects in whatever way
is most appropriate.
3. Implement the Earth Charter in his/her professional work and personal life.
Earth Charter Initiative
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