Year
Event/declaration
Initiatives
1972
The Stockholm Declaration
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, having met at Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972,having considered the need for a common outlook and for common principles to inspire and guide the peoples of the world in the preservation and enhancement of the human environment
1977
The Tbilisi Declaration
The Tbilisi Declaration was adopted by acclamation at the close of the intergovernmental conference. The declaration noted the unanimous accord in the important role of environmental education in the preservation and improvement of the world's environment, as well as in the sound and balanced development of the world's communities.
1990
The Talloires Declaration
This is the first official statement made by university administrators of a commitment to environmental sustainability in higher education.
1991
The Halifax Declaration
Human demands upon the planet are now of a volume and kind that, unless changed substantially, threaten the future well-being of all living species. Universities are entrusted with a major responsibility to help societies shape their present and future development policies and actions into the sustainable and equitable forms necessary for an environmentally secure and civilized world.
1992
Agenda 21
Agenda 21
is an action plan of the United Nations (UN) related to sustainable development and was an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It is a comprehensive blueprint of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the UN, governments, and major groups in every area in which humans directly affect the environment.
1992
Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
Working towards international agreements which respect the interests of all and protect the integrity of the global environmental and developmental system.
1993
The Kyoto Declaration
To urge universities of the IAU to seek, establish and disseminate a clearer understanding of sustainable development - development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations - and encourage more appropriate sustainable development principles and practices at the local, national and global levels, In ways consistent with their missions.
1993
The Swansea Declaration
Universities have a major responsibility to help societies shape their present and future development policies and actions into the sustainable and equitable forms necessary for an environmentally secure and civilized world.
1993
The CRE-CopernicusCharter
CRE Copernicus Charter
The University Charter for Sustainable Development was intended to galvanize university action around environmental sustainability in Europe.
The Copernicus Charter first acknowledges the urgent need for humanity to shift to more sustainable practices, citing the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainable development, or, caring for the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
1997
Thessaloniki Declaration
The participants from governmental, intergovernmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the civil society at large from 83 countries present at the International Conference on Environment and Society: Education and Public Awareness for Sustainability, organized in Thessaloniki by UNESCO and the Government of Greece, from 8 to 12 December 1997.
2000
Earth Charter
The Earth Charter is centrally concerned with the transition to sustainable ways of living and sustainable human development. Ecological integrity is one major theme. However, the Earth Charter recognizes that the goals of ecological protection, the eradication of poverty, equitable economic development, respect for human rights, democracy, and peace are interdependent and indivisible. It provides, therefore, a new, inclusive, integrated ethical framework to guide the transition to a sustainable future.
2001
Luneburg Declaration
Education in all its forms plays an indispensable role in addressing the critical challenges of sustainable development. The interconnected issues of globalization, poverty alleviation, social justice, democracy, human rights, peace and environmental protection require inclusive partnerships to create a global learning environment.
Higher education has a catalyst role vis-à-vis education for sustainable development and the building of a Learning Society. It has a special responsibility to conduct the scholarship and scientific research necessary to generate the new knowledge needed and train the leaders and teachers of tomorrow, as well as communicate this knowledge to decision-makers and the public-at-large.
2002
Ubuntu Declaration onEducation and Science and Technology for Sustainable Development
The "Ubuntu Declaration" says greater global emphasis on education is essential to reaching sustainable development goals, and creates a major global alliance to promote science and technology courses and teaching throughout educational systems worldwide.