18 October 2011: The Stakeholder Forum, in collaboration with BioRegional and the Earth Charter Initiative, has published principles for the green economy, in recognition of the need for the international community to agree on a common ethical framework of shared values and principles in order to enhance political will to achieve an ambitious outcome at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).

The document, titled “Principles for the Green Economy: A collection of principles for the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication,” contains 15 principles, together with an analysis and consolidation of the principles. It also offers an overview of the kinds of principles that might constitute a common ethical framework.

The 15 principles are: equitable distribution of wealth; economic equity and fairness; intergenerational equity; precautionary approach; the right to development; internalization of externalities; international cooperation; international liability; information, participation and accountability; sustainable consumption and production (SCP); strategic, coordinated and integrated planning to deliver sustainable development, the green economy and poverty alleviation; a just transition; redefining well-being; gender equality; and safeguarding biodiversity and preventing pollution of any part of the environment. [Publication: Principles for the Green Economy]