The Declaration of World Citizenship

     I , John WorldPeace, declare that I am a World Citizen.  As such, I declare that in all social issues I will first consider how my personal actions and the collective actions of the citizens of my nation will impact on other human beings who I declare to be equal citizens of the world society.  I declare that I will not use my religious beliefs to judge or condemn or in any way harm or prejudice any other human being in any way simply because he or she does not believe as I do or because he or she has no religious beliefs at all.  I declare that I do not consider myself to be superior to any human being based solely on my race.  I declare that women must be afforded equal rights with men in every single aspect of  the world society. - John WorldPeace

• The Declaration of World Interdependence
• Earth Day Proclamation
• Earth Magna Charta
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Declaration of Human Unity
• Pledge of World Citizenship

THE DECLARATION OF WORLD INTERDEPENDENCE

We the People of the World, hold these truths to be self evident; that all people are created equal, that all individuals are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. We further declare that all other living systems sharing this Planet require our utmost respect and thoughtful consideration to guarantee future generations the inheritance of a world that is capable of supporting life.

Be it Known that in the course of human events it has now become necessary for We, the People of the World, to realize the fundamental bonds that connect us; to assume the inescapable responsibilities for our actions in relation to the Laws of Nature; to render full and decent respect to every person, with equal opportunity for all; and WE DO HERE DECLARE THOSE CAUSES THAT IMPEL US TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND HONOR OUR INTERDEPENDENCE.  These are:

1) THAT ALL LIFE IS INTERRELATED in ways we are only now beginning to understand. We denounce the plunder, waste and destruction of the fragile systems essential to the survival of the Earth and its tenants. We hereby assert and accept our responsibilities as thoughtful Custodians and Managers of our Planet.

2) THAT GLOBAL SOCIETY IS A HIGHLY COMPLEX AND INTEGRATED ARRAY OF ELEMENTS, EACH EQUAL IN GRACE AND VITALLY IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE WHOLE. The nations of the world have the misperception of being separate and competing entities whose survival is based upon the defeat or social subjugation of their neighbors. This has now become an obsolete and fruitless mode of thought. Acceptance of our interdependence does not suggest the imposition of inordinate restrictions of individual or sovereign freedoms or excessive reliance on others, rather, it will refine and reinforce existing forms of interaction and initiate the necessary physical, political, psychological and cultural mechanisms that will insure social diversity, improve mutual respect among nations, and preserve the global environment.

3) THAT IT IS THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE AND DUTY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TO INSTITUTE UNPRECEDENTED SYSTEMS OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION. Ignorance, greed, expediency, oppression and bigotry have perpetuated many of the destructive practices that trouble our world, and they must be altered or abolished in the common interest of creating a peaceful and sustainable world society. We hereby call for the reorganization of powers so as to achieve the abolishment of oppression, the reinstatement of environmental order, the development of renewable resources, the establishment of worldwide economic stability and the assurance of each individual's Health, Safety and Well-being.

We No Longer Accept the Previous and Existing Abuses of Our Planet, it Resources, or its People. We choose to reconstruct equitably the entrenched interests and worldwide systems that have created and supported those abuses. It is our right - it is our duty - to throw off such practices, and provide new measures for the security of ourselves and future generations. We acknowledge the existing conditions of global interdependency and choose to uphold them in order to bring about a Peaceful and Sustainable World Society.

Here Declaring and Accepting Our Interdependence, We pledge and commit to each other Our Hands, Our Minds and Our Sacred Honor - to work for the right of each Person and Nation to be free from oppression and poverty, for a safe global environment and balanced ecology, and for the establishment and maintenance of PEACE AND PROSPERITY AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD.

EARTH DAY PROCLAMATION

 by John McConnell

June 21, 1970

Whereas: A new world view is emerging; through the eyes of our Astronauts and Cosmonauts we now see our beautiful blue planet as a home for all people, and

Whereas: Planet Earth is facing a grave crisis which only the people of Earth Can resolve, and the delicate balances of nature, essential for our survival, can only be saved through a global effort, involving all of us, and

Whereas: In our shortsightedness we have failed to make provisions for the poor, as well as the rich, to inherit the Earth, and our new enlightenment requires that the disinherited be given a just stake in the Earth and its future ~~ their enthusiastic cooperation is essential if we are to succeed in the great task of Earth renewal, and

Whereas: World equality in economics as well as politics would remove a basic cause of war, and neither Socialism, Communism nor Capitalism in their present forms have realized the potentials of Man for a just society, nor educated Man in the ways of peace and creative love, and

Whereas: Through voluntary action individuals can join with one another in building the Earth in harmony with nature, and promote support thereof by private and government agencies, and

Whereas: Individuals and groups may follow different methods and programmes in Earthkeeping and Earthbuilding, nevertheless by constant friendly communication with other groups and daily meditation on the meaning of peace and goodwill they will tend more and more to be creative, sensitive, experimental, and flexible in resolving differences with others, and

Whereas: An international EARTH DAY each year can provide a special time to draw people together in appreciation of their mutual home, Planet Earth, and bring a global feeling of community through realization of our deepening desire for life, freedom and love, and our mutual dependence on each other,

Be it Therefore Resolved: That each signer of this People Proclamation will seek to help change Man's terrible course toward catastrophe by searching for activities and projects which in the best judgment of the individual signer will:

~peacefully end the scourge of war…

~provide an opportunity for the children of the disinherited poor to obtain their rightful inheritance in the Earth…

~redirect the energies of industry and society from progress through products...to progress through harmony with Earth's natural systems for improving the quality of life…

That each signer will (his own conscience being his judge) measure his commitment by how much time and money he gives to these purposes, and realizing the great urgency of the task, he will give freely of his time and money to activities and programmes he believes will best further these Earth renewal purposes. (At least 9 percent of the world's present income is going to activities that support war and spread pollution. Ten percent can tip the balance for healthy peaceful progress.)

Furthermore, each signer will support and observe EARTH DAY on March 21st....(Vernal Equinox ~~ when night and day are equal throughout the Earth) with reflection and actions that encourage a new respect for Earth with its great potentials for fulfilling Man's highest dreams; and on this day will join at 19:00 Universal Time in a global EARTH HOUR ~~ a silent hour for peace....."

(To endorse the Earth Day Proclamation, e-mail your  first and last name, city and state (or country) to PtEtAtCtE@aol.com

ORIGINAL SIGNERS OF THE EARTH DAY PROCLAMATION -- 1970-71

1. Alexander B. Grannis -- New York Assembly;
2. Judith Hollister -- The Temple of Understanding;
3. Luther Evans -- Former Director General of UNESCO;
4. Estelle Feldman (Ireland) -- 1970 World Youth Assembly;
5. David R. Brower -- Friends of the Earth;
6. Arvid Pardo -- Ambassador, UN Mission to Malta;
7. Margaret Mead – Anthropologist;
8. Eugene McCarthy -- U.S. Senator from Minnesota;
9. John Gardner -- Common Cause;
10. Mike Gravel -- U.S. Senator from Alaska;
11. Hugh Scott -- U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania;
12. Buzz Aldrin -- American Astronaut;
13. S. O. Adebo (Nigeria) -- President of UN Assembly;
14. U Thant (Ceylon) -- United Nations Secretary General;
15. Maurice Strong (Canada) -- UN Environmental Program;
16. Y. Fukushima (Japan) – Environmental Scientist;
17. Rene J. Dubos -- Environmental Scientist;
18. Lubos Kohoutek (Czechoslovakia) – Astronomer;
19. Buckminster Fuller -- Inventor, Scientist, Scholar;
20. Mark Hatfield -- U.S. Senator from Oregon

In the years between 1990-1996 more people had become aware of the observance of EARTH DAY; they wanted to be involved. They familiarized themselves with the EARTH DAY PROCLAMATON. To demonstrate their agreement with all the concerns and issues set forth they placed their signatures on the Proclamation joining that of the Secretary-General and those that had signed in the previous years; they are:

21. John Denver – Singer;
22. Robert Muller (France) -- Assistant Secretary General, United Nations
23. Edward Abramson – Majority Whip, New York State Assembly;
24. Isaac Asimov – Author;
25. Aly Teymour (Egypt) -- Chief of Protocol, United Nations;
26. Anatoly N. Berezovoi (Russia) – Cosmonaut;
27. Cynthia Lennon (United Kingdom) – Artist;
28. Stan Lundine -- Lieutenant Governor, New York;
29. David Dinkins -- Mayor of New York City;
30. Oscar Arias -- President of Costa Rico;
31. Audrey McLaughlin -- Leader, NDP, Canada;
32. George Fernandes -- Minister of Transportation, India;
33. Carlos Salinas -- President of Mexico;
34. Yasir Arafat -- President of Palestine;
35. Yehudi Menuhin -- Musician, Violinist;
36. Mikhail Gorbachev 09/07/00

The names in black endorse the Earth Day Proclamation
but their names are not on the actual document.

37. John WorldPeace, Houston, Texas, USA, 10/24/00
38. Kay WorldPeace, Houston, Texas, USA, 10/24/00

Earth Magna Charta
By John McConnell
Founder of Earth Day

A world view, goal and agenda for the people of Earth
that will provide a healthy, sustainable future.

The people of planet Earth have the raw materials, natural resources, and the technology for all to enjoy a life of quality. But they are still restricted by the evil that has dominated history. They lack the vision of the great future now possible and how to attain it. As a result, the world is filled with confusion and conflict.

This Earth Magna Charta provides the needed vision and the way. Individuals and institutions can now be trustees of Earth, seeking in ecology, economics and ethics policies and decisions that will benefit people and planet. In the present state of the world, this Space Age trustee concept has a chance of tapping the best in human hopes and aspirations and providing a healthy, innovative and fulfilling future for our planet and its people. In this new future, deeds will demonstrate what is best in creeds. Young Earth Trustees will lead the way.

In this Magna Charta we will consider what we have, as a human family, on this miracle planet we call Earth. To understand the possibilities and how we can each participate in realizing them we need to think about basics. Actions good or bad begin in the mind.

To plan and achieve the best future we must look at our assets and liabilities. Experts will confirm the abundance of raw materials and natural resources on our planet. (They have a value of hundreds of trillions of dollars.) There is more than enough to provide and maintain a healthy life-style for everyone, with more for those with greater ability and initiative.

This is possible now because of our advanced technology. A major problem is how to restructure the social institutions of money, credit and property rights so that there will be a level playing field where rights and responsibilities will be recognized and realized. The Earth Magna Charta provides guidelines to achieve these goals - recognizing that people with different cultures and creeds will apply them in different ways. But all can warmly support the goals presented here. Aided by the sense of connectedness and the spirit of cooperation engendered by thinking of themselves as Trustees of Earth - all benefit.

The people of Earth can have a great future by working together for a global goal all can approve. Here is a basic goal that most enlightened people of every religion, clime and culture will support. Here is a principled purpose that will quickly reduce the terrible chaos and conflict that troubles civilization. Here is an idea that will bring ever increasing harmony with neighbor and nature and bring peaceful progress in the human adventure.

The Earth Magna Charta describes the most important points of general agreement about the physical world - and the common view of human rights and responsibilities that naturally follow.

We are all members of one human family that has inherited a planet rich in resources. We each have an equal claim to its land, minerals and raw materials. None of us produced them. We all need them or what they provide. We all have need for their sustainable development and use. To assure equitable benefits every individual and institution should seek to balance rights and responsibilities.

The long term goal must be to restructure social institutions so that there is equitable return for services, efficient balance of supply and demand, and fair benefits from our mutual claims to Earth's natural bounty.

One possible way to equitable benefits is for those who own land, oil, gold or other minerals to pay a 2% royalty each year on their income from these resources to a fund that will then provide the homeless their inheritance or stake in their planet. All will then join in responsible care of Earth.

The digital economy will make it possible to eventually replace money and credit as we know it with new, fair methods of trade and exchange.

In regard to the physical world we all can agree that we have only one Earth - a miracle planet teeming with life. With our amazing new technology and awareness of Earth's raw materials and natural resources we know that poverty and pollution, the breeding ground of crime and corruption, can quickly be eliminated. All that is needed is the will.

Here is the way: First, as Earth Trustees, leaders will focus on the many solutions that are being found around the world. At present, too many accent the negative and have no clear objective. You cannot be objective without an object. The object is now the rejuvenation of Earth.

Then we must rally and inspire a grand Effort for Earth, an Earth Campaign that will eliminate poverty and pollution and bring new freedom, order and opportunity. This will happen as every individual and institution chooses to act as a responsible Trustee of Earth.

While there are many differences about race, religion, money control and power - and conspiracy theories throughout history - we can agree that institutional policies and actions of greed and deception are unfair, defeat the common good and should be corrected. While laws are needed and passed, without a strong spirit of community and cooperation their measure of success is limited. The Earth Campaign will meet this need.

The great periods of progress in history have resulted from religious fervor for universal ideals of honesty, freedom, justice and creative altruism or divine love. A recent example was the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King Jr. Its essence is described in his book, "Strength to Love." The Campaign for Earth needs to tap the deepest and the best in our religious faith or inner feelings.

People of different cultures can agree on basic moral values and deeds though they may differ on creeds that relate to the great mysteries of life. For honest agreement and cooperation we need to separate our creeds and their claims about life and death from the ideas and actions in which we can all agree. We can agree on the need for deeds that nurture people and planet though we differ on creeds warmly held about mind and spirit and the ultimate mysteries of the cosmos and its creator. Of course the best evidence of the value of our creed is the love it produces in our lives. Common to every major religion is the Golden Rule - treat others as you would like to be treated. Now we have a new common ground: Awareness of our planet and our responsibility to take care of it.

"Actions good or bad begin in the mind." Think, pray, talk and write about how you can be an Earth Trustee. Help your neighborhood or town to be an Earth Trustee community. Spread the word about recycling, planting trees, neighborhood gardens, composting and saving energy, healthy diet, sleep and exercise. When you buy or invest, make choices that diminish pollution and poverty - that increase sustainable development. Join or form a group that will further these purposes.

The exercise of arts and crafts -- especially in the form of singing, dancing, mime acting and music-making -- is the most effective antidote to violence and crime. Let us ensure that every child from the very first year will NEVER be deprived of the aural and physical experience on which its whole life and the future of humanity depends."

There is no official Earth Trustee authorizing organization. Anyone is welcome to use the name as long as they base their effort on the principles set forth in this document. Any existing organization that adopts these purposes can be an Earth Trustee business, school, church or temple. Any neighborhood, city or state can form an independent Earth Trustee Committee to further these purposes in their own way. All are invited to share what they are doing with others.

Our new global communications with its Information Superhighway can under this Charter bring rapid change to heal, nurture and improve life on Earth. To accomplish this requires a radical change in attitudes and policies of mass media. They must seek in every way possible to define and further Earth Trustee goals. While plans and methods for achieving goals will differ, affirming points of accord will increase harmony and accommodation. The new policy will be, "Accent the positive, headline solutions, pursue excellence. Give honest assessment of things as they are and then with creative vision, aided by computer data, show the better future that intelligent decisions will bring - with follow-up on actions taken and their results."

To this end, every radio, television station and newspaper who endorses this Earth Magna Charta will join the Campaign for Earth, reporting problems and progress; radio and television stations will carry daily non-verbal Earth Minutes at designated times - 0300, 1100 and 1900 GMT. These non-verbal minutes of inspirational music, views of children and natural wonders, will remind us we are all connected and working for one goal - Earth's rejuvenation. Simultaneous and world-wide, they will deepen our awareness.

Each year on Earth Day, March 20-21, the Peace Bell at the United Nations will ring at the moment spring begins. As this occurs, a celebration of life will cover our globe as bells ring in every community and people join in heartfelt love and devotion to the care of this nest in the stars: Earth, our wonderful home.

Return to the WorldPeace Peace Page

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Adopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 217A (III) of 10 December 1948

WHEREAS recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

WHEREAS disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

WHEREAS it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

WHEREAS it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

WHEREAS the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

WHEREAS Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

WHEREAS a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, therefore, Proclaims

THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

1 All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

2 Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

3 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

4 No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

5 No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

6 Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

7 All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of the Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

8 Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

9 No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

10 Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

11 1 Everyone charged with a penal offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defense.

2 No one shall be held guilty of any penal offense on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offense, under national or international law, at the time it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offense was committed.

12 No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

13 1 Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.

2 Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

14 1 Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.

2 This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

15 1 Everyone has the right to a nationality.

2 No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

16 1 Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.

2 Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.

3 The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

17 1 Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

2 No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

18 Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

19 Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

20 1 Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

2 No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

21 1 Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.

2 Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.

3 The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

22 Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co- operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

23 1 Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

2 Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.

3 Everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.

4 Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

24 Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

25 1 Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

2 Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

26 1 Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

2 Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

3 Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

27 1 Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

2 Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

28 Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

29 1 Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.

2 In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

3 These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

30 Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

DECLARATION OF HUMAN UNITY

Whereas, the very existence of all human beings is substantially at risk, many of our institutions are impaired, and the possibilities of human life are unfulfilled, and 

Whereas, our action together universally as human beings for our common survival and fulfillment is becoming a clear necessity, and 

Whereas, effective means of communication are now available to unite all human beings and therefore to maximize the prospects of all human beings for a secure and full life,

We hereby declare our unity as human beings 
beyond all our differences. 

We invite all people throughout the world to act together as human beings and support of our shared priorities from survival to fulfillment. It is our lives as human beings which we share in common beyond all our differences such as race, sex, religion, class, culture, and nationality. We affirm the simple fact of our humanness as the bedrock reality of our lives and institutions. By bringing our common humanness to the foreground of our lives, we will be able to act together with all other human beings to meet our priority needs and shared aspirations. 

World Public Forum 
San Francisco, U.S.A.