Sharing Destiny
In 2012 the theme asked how could we shape our lives to contribute to an equitable future for all?
“We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future.
(This quotation and most of those that follow are from the Earth Charter)
In 2012 the world communitywas looking back to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 with a conference Rio+20 in June which reviewed progress and assessed what the world and each of us needed to do next if we wanted to hand on a planet worth living in to future generations. One World Week 2012 offered us an opportunity to review the findings of the conference and plan the actions we could take to contribute to an equitable, harmonious and enduring future.
"Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility. "
(United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon)
2012 was also the UN Year of Co-operatives and our theme offered opportunities to celebrate sharing and working together with others.
We all wondered what the world was coming to and what the future hold for our children. How could we cope with a warming world, declining resources, growing inequality and unrest?
“As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise.”
Could our generation take the steps needed right away to ensure that future generations would be able to continue to access the resources they needed to enjoy a fulfilling life? Were we prepared to embrace the changes that could offer hope and a future for all?
“To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one earth community with a common destiny.”
We affirmed that we were all members of one world and that technology had enabled us to move around the globe for work and leisure and to communicate with ease. Also that trade had moved us closer, reinforcing our growing interdependence. However, we also recognised that some people had been forced to move by poverty, conflict and persecution to seek refuge and make new homes. We reflected that living and working together with people of many cultures and abilities had not only enriched our lives but enabled us to find shared ways of surviving as one world.
We acknowledged that our economies, natural environment and societies were increasingly interwoven. Could we cooperate to move towards a global society, which adapted to change while:
- balancing the needs of nature, economy and society,
- respecting universal human rights, and economic justice,
- and building a culture of peace?
We asked we could accept that it was only by working together to meet these challenges could we share quitably the legacy we have received with our descendants?
“Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.”
The following resources were recommended for event planners: -
the Earth Charter here
OWW's partners in the Stop Climate Chaos Coallition offed us a video: "Reasons to be cheerful" documenting progress on environmental protection since the first Rio Conference in 1992 (see it here)
OWWFollow up Rio+20 in your OWW events
In OWW 2012, under our theme of Sharing Destiny,we looked at the outcomes of the Rio+20 conference which took place in June, 2012. Representatives from around the world met at this UN environment summit to “secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development*, ... ”.
The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition (SCCC), of which OWW is a member, encouraged people to organise events to raise awareness of what was at stake at Rio in June and invite their MP to support a Rio Connection Declaration.
You could involve local representatives of other SCCC members in planning your OWW events for October. Have a look at the SCCC site where a Map tells you who is in your local area or you could get in touch with local branches of the SCCC members listed on the website.
So what was Rio+20 about?
In 1992, the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, was unprecedented for a UN conference. It sought to help governments rethink economic development, recognising that economic and social progress depended on finding ways to prevent environmental degradation and preserve our resource base. Government representatives from around the world agreed to put in place:
“A comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally ... in every area in which human impacts on the environment.” (It became known as Agenda 21)
In 2012, twenty years on, the objective of the ‘Rio+20’ Conference was to:
“secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development*, assess progress to date and… address new and emerging challenges”.
(More information at: www.uncsd2012.org )
*What is meant by “sustainable development”?
There was much debate about this term with many feeling it had been highjacked from its original meaning.
A simple and common definition is “... development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Living within our environmental limits is one of the central principles of sustainable development, but it also means meeting the diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities, promoting personal wellbeing, social cohesion and inclusion, and creating equal opportunity.
A green economy?
There was much talk of a green economy - Governments and businesses wanted a green economy that promoted growth through developing energy saving technologies and low carbon technologies. One of OWW's partners, the World Development Movement, warned that it all depended on whose green economy it is! More here
Global Village Revisited - Canterbury
Date: 23 Array 2014 09:00 to 26 Array 2014 18:00
Event Title: Global Village Revisited
Event Location: The Darwin Conference Suite, Darwin College, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NY
Event Town: Canterbury
Postcode: CT2 7NY
Event Date & Time: 23-26 October 2014 9am-6pm
Contact Name: Michael Vince
Contact Email: igeoth@adeptsolo.co.uk
Contact Telephone: 01227362562
Event Description: This 4 day programme is co-ordinated by the UNA Canterbury Branch and consists of events organised by local groups:
Thursday 23rd - Acting out of conscience - Amnesty International; Working together for positive change - Abbots Mill Project; Volunteering opportunities - Royal College of Nursing.
Friday 24th - UN Day Winning the war, losing the peace - a UNA Docu-drama.
Saturday 25th - Moving to a Nuclear Weapons-free world - Greenpeace; A Multi-cultural peace oriented Open-Mic - Patience & Michael; "Doing" the Quaker way - Canterbury Society of Friends; Post-conflict resolution - Christian Aid.
Sunday 26th - Budhism Soka Gakkai - International-UK (SGI-UK) Saving future generations from war - MAW: Bruce Kent UN Service for World Peace, preceded by a Tea/Wine reception.
Admission Details: Admission Free
Spirituality Myth Culture Art and Nature Event - Birmingham
Date: 25 Array 2014 00:00 to 26 Array 2014 00:00
Event Title: Spirituality Myth Culture Art and Nature
Event Location: Balaji Temple Conference Centre, Dudley Road East Tividale West Midlands B69 3DU
Event Town: Sandwell, Birmingham
Postcode: B69 3DU
Event Date & Time: 25 and 26 October 2014
Contact Name: Judy LIng Wong CBE
Contact Email: judy@ben-network.org.uk
Contact Telephone: 07405702721
Event Description: Organised by the UNESCO UK MAB Urban Forum with the aim of bringing artists, environmentalists and community together to share work, stimulate debate and create opportunities for environmental participation through linking art and nature. We are inviting proposals for papers, presentations or experiential items, using all forms of creative arts or interdisciplinary arts for a final programme by mid-September.
Admission Details: Sliding scale of contributions down to zero
International Shared Meal - York
25 October 2014
Event Title: York International shared Meal
Location: Acomb Parish Church Hall, Front Street, Acomb, York YO24 3BX
Details: York Interfaith Group, together with York Racial Equality Network and York Baha’i Community, is celebrating One World Week on Saturday 25 October by joining in the International Shared Meal.
Those attending are asked to bring a dish from their own country or tradition to share and to make a small contribution to the cost of the evening.
There will be entertainment after the meal.
For further information, contact Tricia Castle on 01904 641 657
or at tricia.castle@talktalk.net
or YREN on 01904 624 600 or at info@yren.co.uk.
Pick Up Litter - Ilford
Date: 25 October 2014to 13:00
Event Title: Pick Up Litter – Ilford
Location: Eton Road Community Centre, Eton Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 2UE
Event Date & Time: Saturday 25th October, 10am-1pm
For More Information Contact: Habiba Ahmed
Telephone: 0798073237
How Can We Live Differently? - Paisley
Date: 25 October 2014to 14:00
Event Title: How can we live differently?
Event Location: Piazza Shopping Centre
Event Town: Paisley
Postcode: PA11EP
Event Date & Time: Saturday 25 October 10-2
Contact Name: Maureen Brough
Contact Email: Maureenbrough@aol.com
Contact Telephone: 01418487751
Event Description: Stalls promoting various ways of living differently e.g.Community Gardens, Fairtrade, Pledge Tree, Malawi Rice challenge plus activities for children - making recycled paper bags, planting bulbs etc. Also Street theatre on the OWW theme, drummers , food tasting.
Admission Details: Free
One World Fair - Milton Keynes
Date: 25 October 2014to 15:30
Event Title: One World Fair - Milton Keynes
Event Location: the Guildhall, Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Central Milton Keynes
Event Date & Time: Saturday, 25 October - 10.30-3.30pm.
Description: The alternative Christmas shopping experience Christmas cards, wrapping paper, ribbons and tags Fairly traded gifts and stocking fillers Fairtrade food, chocolate and snacks Palestinian olive oil, almonds, dates, olives and crafts Local art and craftwork Campaigning stalls. Fairtrade refreshments throughout the day Come and enjoy Christmas shopping knowing that producers and charities are benefiting too. Much more enjoyable than City Centre shopping and much more fun than shopping on-line! One World Week 2014 October 19th-26th Living Differently Breaking Chains Making Change
Admission: Free
Challenging Islamophobia - Reading
Date: 25 October 2014to 16:00
CHALLENGING ISLAMOPHOBIA
25 October 2014 10:30 - 16:00
RISC 35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS, UK
workshop for community & youth workers, teachers
■ recognizing Islamophobia and dealing with it in the classroom, workplace,
youth club…
■ how to embed anti-Islamophobia strategies across the curriculum
■ how to counter media stereotypes in film, press, TV with alternative messages
The interactive workshop will share participants’ ideas & experiences and evaluate existing approaches & resources, and begin a process of taking these issues forward, locally & nationally.
■ using RISC’s exhibition Islam in Britain
■ screening of the documentary Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People
■ logging hate crimes in West Berkshire
Living Differently - Oxford
Date: 25 October 2014to 14:00
Event Title: LIVING DIFFERENTLY
Event Location: St Michael and All Angels Church, New Marston
Event Town: Oxford
Postcode: OX3 6JA
Event Date & Time: Saturday 25th October 1100 to 1400
Contact Name: David Paterson
Contact Email: davidpaterson130@gmail.com
Contact Telephone: 07765416801
Event Description: Celebrating the diversity of human life on our planet, and exploring concerns for our future together. Churches Together in Marston and Northway SATURDAY 25th October at St Michael and All Angels Church, New Marston (junction of Marston Road and Jack Straw’s Lane OX3 6JA)
1100 INTRODUCTION, with readings, prayers and music
1115 OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE DISPLAYS AND PRESENTATIONS ROUND THE CHURCH through information, discussion, poetry and celebration • Ecology and climate change • The armaments trade, war and nonviolence • Food and water provision • Monetary justice • Caring for the needy of the world • Hindu, Muslim and Sikh culture and insights
1200 DRAWING THE THEMES TOGETHER in prayer and meditation
1215 RETURN TO EXPLORING
1245 CLOSING THOUGHTS and celebration together “…..to be free is not only to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela PLEDGE SHEET
1300 LUNCH Bring and Share with an international flavour
Admission Details: Free. Come when you can, leave when you must
Health, Happiness & Apple Pie - Ilford
Date: 25 October 2014to 15:30
Event Title: Health, Happiness & Apple Pie – Ilford
Location: Top Floor, Exchange Centre, High Road, Ilford, Essex
Date and Time: Saturday 25th October, 2-3.30pm
Details: An Introduction to Transition Redbridge. There will be talks, discussion and other tasters of how to get involved in our Transition Town.
Watch-Africa - Felix - Cardiff
25 October 2014
Event Title: Watch Africa – Felix (Young South Africans)
Event Date & Time: 25 October @ 3.00pm
Event Location: Chapter Arts Centre (Cardiff)
Description: Film
The event is organised as part of the South African season in the United Kingdom 2014 & 2015. The SA-UK Seasons is a partnership between the department of Arts and Culture, South Africa and The British Council.
Website: (for full programme): www.watch-africa.co.uk
Twitter: @watch_waff
Facebook: Watch-Africa 2014
Watch-Africa - Hear Me Move - Cardiff
25 October 2014
Event Title: Watch Africa - Hear Me Move (Young South Africans)
Event Date & Time: 25 October @ 5.45 Pm
Event Location: Chapter Arts Centre, (Cardiff)
Description: Closing Film
The event is organised as part of the South African season in the United Kingdom 2014 & 2015. The SA-UK Seasons is a partnership between the department of Arts and Culture, South Africa and The British Council.
Website: (for full programme): www.watch-africa.co.uk
Twitter: @watch_waff
Facebook: Watch-Africa 2014
Celebrating OWW - Totnes
25 October 2014
Title: Celebrating OWW – Totnes
Event Location: Totnes Methodist Church Hall, Fore Street, TQ9 5RP
Event Date and Time: Saturday 25th October - 7pm
Contact: Elizabeth Wintle emwintle@gmail.com
Details: Celebrating OWW with Songs, Dance and Buffet Meal
Admission: By Ticket Only £6.00
Ilford OWW Celebration and Social
Date: 25 October 2014to 21:00
Event Title: Ilford OWW Celebration and Social
Location: The Vine Church, Holstock Road, Ilford IG1 1JH
Date: Saturday 25th October, 7pm-9pm
Contact: Francis on 020 85585270 or Peter on 07816 068947
or petermusgrave1950@gmail.com
Featuring:
7.15: Climate change awareness with Mike Gapes MP
8.00: Food
8.15: Music concert with Redbridge Music Lounge
Details: Actions we can take to do something about climate change in the run up to the next general election. Fair trade stall open on the night