What is it to be Green?
Green is diverse. Green ideas stem from the understanding that everything in nature is connected.
No issue exists in isolation. Threats to economic, social and environmental wellbeing are part of the same problem since they share systemic roots. We recognise that none of these threats can be mitigated without addressing the others. And because the threats are contextual, solutions must also emerge
from local realities.
For example, climate change affects the most vulnerable populations disproportionally. From a sustainability perspective, both the causes and effects of climate change must therefore be analysed through a social justice lens.
Green Principles
Green principles are the foundation of Green policies globally. These principles have been developed and adopted by the members of Global Greens and can be found in greater detail in their Charter. Global Greens is the international network of Green parties and political movements.
Sustainability
We understand sustainability as the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. To achieve sustainability for humanity is to provide for the needs of present and future generations within the finite resources of the earth. It is about understanding and reshaping the harmful structures that have separated human activity from the natural systems that we rely on.
Social Justice
Social justice is the equitable distribution of social and natural resources, both locally and globally, to meet basic human needs unconditionally, and to ensure that all citizens have full opportunities for personal and social development. There is no social justice without environmental justice, and no environmental justice without social justice.
Ecological Wisdom
We acknowledge that human beings are part of the natural world, and therefore we respect the specific values of all forms of life, including non-human species. We know that human society depends on the ecological resources of the planet and must ensure the integrity of ecosystems and preserve biodiversity and the resilience of life-supporting systems. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the limits of our planet. Taken together, this is Ecological Wisdom.
Participatory democracy
Participatory democracy at every level of society is key to inclusive decision-making. People have a fundamental right to express their views, be listened to, and thus directly participate in and influence the environmental, economic, social and political decisions that affect their lives. Therefore, power and responsibility must be concentrated in local and regional communities, and only transferred to higher levels of governance when essential.
Non-violence
Greens are committed to non-violence and strive towards a culture of peace and cooperation between states, inside societies and between individuals, as the basis of global security. We understand non-violence as the solution for change and handling conflicts. A peaceful approach based on the principles of inclusion and diversity is not only the best method to create change; it is the way in which we strive to live. Security should not rest mainly on military strength but on cooperation, sound economic and social development, environmental safety, and respect for human rights.
Respect for Diversity
The social system we have inherited is based on politics of privilege. It is neither just nor sustainable. Whereas the basis for a healthy society is the understanding that human beings are equal participants in a common ethical world, all the while recognising everyone’s uniqueness and differences.
Yet, respect for diversity can only be achieved after removing structural barriers, empowering marginalised groups and freeing society from any discrimination based on race, colour, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, social origin, mental or physical ability or any other prejudice. Sustainable society is only possible through voluntary co-operation between empowered individuals free from any discrimination.
Green Politics
Change requires commitment, but the entire responsibility cannot be placed on individuals. Sporadic individual contributions, practicing green lifestyles and upholding green values are praise-worthy, but not enough. Society is created collectively people, and politics is the key to generating change at scale.
Green politics brings together the six Green Principles through diverse perspectives, policies, strategies, and actions, and show the path toward sustainable democratic societies.
Across the world, Greens have grown from being perceived as single-issue environmentalists into comprehensive, mature political parties, capable of winning elections and serving at every level. Green Forum supports its partners in continuing this transformation.