30 June 2017: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) convened an intergovernmental meeting to advanced work on a preliminary text of a declaration of ethical principles in relation to climate change. The purpose of the declaration would be to promote the “moral basis” for addressing climate change.

Held in Paris, France, from 27-30 June 2017, the intergovernmental meeting brought together the 195 member States of UNESCO, States that are associate members and invited observers. The event built on a year of work, including the meeting of an international, multidisciplinary, pluralist and independent 24-member Ad Hoc Expert Group (AHEG) that took place in Rabat, Morocco, from 20-24 September 2016, as well as extensive consultations with UNESCO member States.

The declaration could identify ethical principles such as: prevention of harm; precautionary principle; equity, justice and fairness; solidarity; and sustainability.

The UNESCO declaration may clarify a set of universal principles that could help mobilize international solidarity, and help to enhance implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The declaration could identify ethical principles such as: prevention of harm; precautionary principle; equity, justice and fairness; solidarity; and sustainability.

The 202nd session of the UNESCO Executive Board, to be held from 4-18 October 2017 in Paris, will examine the preliminary text, and adopt a recommendation on it addressed to the 39th UNESCO General Conference, taking place in Paris from 30 October to 14 November 2017. [Intergovernmental Meeting UNESCO Webpage] [UNESCO Announcement of Meeting] [Meeting Agenda and Timetable] [Proposal for a Draft Preliminary Text of a Non-Binding Declaration of Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change] [Evolution of Declaration] [UNESCO Press Release on Preparation of Declaration]