THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESENT GENERATION TOWARDS FUTUREGENERATIONSAs a commitment to people of the third millennium, GEA urges itsassociates to endorse and help promote a global declaration establishing theresponsibilities of present generations toward those yet to come. UNESCO is nowcirculating a draft for such a declaration, adopted by a working group of governmentalexperts at a September 1997 meeting in Paris. We are pleased to share excerpts. Bearing in mind that the fate of future generations dependson decisions and actions taken today, and that present-day problems, including poverty,technological and material underdevelopment, unemployment, exclusion, discrimination andthreats to the environment must be solved in the interests of both present and futuregenerations, Convinced that there is a moral obligation to formulatebehavioral guidelines for present generations within a broad, future-oriented perspective, The General Conference therefore, solemnly proclaims on this ...day of ... this Motel barato EsbjergDeclaration on the Responsibilities of the Present Generation TowardsFuture Generations. | Article 1. Needs and Interests of Future Generations The present generations have the responsibility of ensuring that the needs and interests of future generations are fully safeguarded. | | | | Article 2. Freedom of Choice It is important to make every effort to ensure, with due regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms, that future as well as present generations enjoy full freedom of choice as to their political, economic and social systems and are able to preserve their cultural and religious diversity. | | | | Article 3: Maintenance and Perpetuation of Humankind ERROR MSGThe present generations should strive to ensure, with due respect for the dignity of the human person, the maintenance and perpetuation of humanity (recognizing that the role of women is central to this process). Consequently, the nature and form of human life must not be undermined in any way whatsoever. | | | | Article 4: Preservation of Life on Earth The present generations have the responsibility to bequeath to future generations an Earth which will not one day be irreversibly damaged by human activity. Each generation inheriting the Earth temporarily shall take care to use natural resources reasonably and ensure that life is not prejudiced by harmful modifications of the ecosystems and that scientific and technological progress in all fields does not harm life on Earth. | | | | Article 5: Protection of the Environment 1. In order to ensure that future generations benefit from the richness of the Earth's ecosystems, the present generations should strive for sustainable development and preserve living conditions, particularly the quality and integrity of the environment. 2. The present generations should ensure that future generations are not exposed to pollution which may endanger their health or their existence itself. 3. The present generations should preserve for future generations natural resources necessary for sustaining human life and for its development. 4. The present generations should take into account possible consequences for future generations of major projects before these are carried out. | | | | Article 6. Human Genome and Biodiversity The human genome, in full respect of the dignity of the human person and human rights, must be protected and biodiversity safeguarded. Scientific and technological progress should not in any way impair or compromise the preservation of the human and other species. | | | | Article 7. Cultural Diversity and Cultural Heritage With due respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the present generations shall take care to preserve the cultural diversity of humanity. The present generations have the responsibility to identify, protect and safeguard the tangible and intangible cultural heritage and to transmit this common heritage to future generations. | | | | Article 8. Common Heritage of Humankind The present generations may use the common heritage of humankind, as defined in international law, provided that this does not entail compromising it irreversibly. | | | | Article 9. Peace ERROR MSG1. The present generations should ensure that both they and future generations learn to live together in peace, security, respect for international law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. 2. The present generations should spare future generations the scourge of war. To that end, they should avoid exposing future generations to the harmful consequences of armed conflicts as well as all other forms of aggressions and use of weapons contrary to humanitarian principles. | | | | Article 10. Development and Education easy keno strategy1. The present generations should ensure the conditions of equitable, sustainable and universal socioeconomic development of future generations, both in its individual and collective dimensions, in particular through a fair and prudent use of available resources for the purpose of combating poverty. 2. Education is an important instrument for the development of human persons and societies. It should foster peace, justice, understanding, tolerance, equality and health for the benefit of present and future generations. | | | | Article 11. Nondiscrimination The present generations should refrain from taking any action or measure which would have the effect of leading to or perpetuating any form of discrimination for future generations. | [ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]
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