PLANETARY INITIATIVE FOR THE WORLD WE CHOOSE

In the early ’80s Donald F. Keys, former speechwriter for U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations and Founder of Planetary Citizens, brought together a broad coalition of organizations to promote and support this purpose and encourage public involvement in making the vision of a positive future a reality.

As a collaborative network, the Planetary Initiative created a process of dialogue at the grassroots level in many countries on topics related to planetary welfare—population, food production and distribution, global resource management and conservation, energy, environmental protection and management, civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural issues and rights, the humane uses of technology, war and poverty.

The culminating Congress brought together delegates, scholars, scientists, artists, psychologists and concerned citizens to develop and merge their views on how to address the mega crisis.

At the end of the week-long event, they created a consensus statement that emphasized specific steps and recommendations for achievement.

As a vehicle for grassroots inter-organizational and international cooperation, the Congress expressed overall love of the planet and enthusiasm for taking responsible action. It raised awareness of the impending crises, considered possible solutions, and built hope for the future by demonstrating that everyone can become a co-creator of a more desirable world and humane future.

The World Good News Network documented the proceedings. The videos in this collection include the keynote address by Canadian Chancellor George Ignatieff, podium speeches by notables, panels, delegate perspectives and interviews with authors including Marilyn Ferguson, Peter Russell, Barbara Marx Hubbard and Ram Dass. Two videos contain the Summary Report to the Congress, which was unanimously ratified.