Coalition for the Global Commons
Open Consultation Process of the Coalition for the Global Commons with nextmoderator
Complete Documentation of all presentations and ideas now available in a Kubikfoto³
Upon invitation by Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordania and the Global Marshall Plan Foundation, about 80 high-ranking representatives of worldwide civil society met in Berlin in spring 2008 to start a multi-annual consultation process on the central issues for the future of mankind. The goal of this Coalition for the Global Commons is to develop worldwide strategies and structures for more sustainability in business and society. Among other objectives, the Coalition for the Global Commons aims to implement the UN-Millenium Goals and, in the long run, establish an ecosocial market economy. |
|
The Coalition for the Global Commons is supported by a wide variety of movers and shakers including Bader Omar Al Dafa (Under-Secretary-General UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia), Peter Eigen (Transparency International), Franz Josef Radermacher (Club of Rome, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Stiftung Weltvertrag), Josef Riegler (former Vice Chancellor of Austria), Olivier Giscard d’Estaing (Committee for a World Parliament), Nadine Medawar (Hope Without Borders), Priscilla Elworthy (World Future Council), Rupert Neudeck (Green Helmets, Founder of Committee Cap Anamur) und Zeki Ergas (PEN International, Writers for Peace Committee). Klaus Töpfer, former Executive Director of UN-Environment Program UNEP and Chairman of the Council for Sustainable Development, and Rock singer Peter Gabriel participated in the conference via video link.
They all share the desire to use new forms of participation for including as many people as possible in the quest for – and implementation of – solutions to the most urgent global problems. Instead of “top-down” political decision-making and expert bodies behind closed doors, the power of intelligent, open networks is to be leveraged to develop forward-looking measures all around the world which have a high likelihood of being accepted due to the high participation.
This process is facilitated by nextmoderator. With nextpractice’s computer-aided moderation tool, the 80 participants were connected in a network using their collective intelligence to jointly work on problems, generate ideas and develop concrete measures. On the meeting in Berlin, the assembled leaders under the guidance of Prof. Peter Kruse (nextpractice) used this online-stock-exchange of ideas to develop recommendations for the further configuration of the process. These contributions are now being advanced by national and local supporter-groups in the participants’ native countries. |
|
The participants not only cognitively, but also aesthetically dealt with sustainability and global balance. Tutored by Berlin-based performance artist Ernst Handl, they created an artwork made of individually designed brass plates and a steel frame. The globe which is the outcome of this collective-art activity is meant to symbolize the values to be promoted worldwide through the initiated consultation process.
To keep the spirit of the event alive and to make the content available online, all presentations, ideas and the artwork have been documented in an interactive Kubikfoto³. The conference can be (re-)visited there anytime.
The participants spontaneously were enthused by the meeting. Bader Omar Al Dafa, Under-Secretary-General UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, wrote:
“I am honoured to have participated in such a worthwhile meeting in Berlin, which brought together leaders from civil society, academia, politics, media and other sectors to address our global challenges. I would like to thank the organizers, and especially His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, for hosting this thought provoking meeting and encouraging global dialogue. Personally and as a representative of the United Nations, I strongly believe in the ideals of the Global Marshall Plan and hope that the action plan will be aligned to the global UN priorities and principles so that our efforts mutually reinforce each other. In this regard, I am pleased that meeting the Millennium Development Goals, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the environment are central tenants in this effort. For global governance to be effective, it should be approached through participatory mechanisms that facilitate the contribution by world citizens of all levels and age, and I am pleased that the Global Marshall Plan initiative has endorsed such a multi-stakeholder approach. Youth should be an integral part of the global discussion leading to an action plan, since they will be called upon to implement such a plan.”
Patricia McBroom vom Global Marshall Plan USA says:
"After a 27-hour return to California and 12 hours of sleep, I am beginning to readjust after the incredible conference we all attended in Berlin. It stretched me in many ways, changing my life in the long-term. The activities you designed for us on Wednesday afternoon were especially challenging--much like the task we have undertaken!”
A special opportunity to present the Coalition for the Global Commons’ ideas to a wider public was offered May 22nd, 2008: At the UN-General Assembly in New York, Prinz El Hassan thematized central aspects of a humane peace- and security policy in his presentation “Dignity and Justice for All of Us: Human Security on the Global Commons.“ He prominently mentioned the role of wisely dealing with population growth and migration, fighting poverty and hunger, discussing a fair redistribution of resources and finances, and finding forward-looking solutions to power generation with respect to economic and ecologic sustainability.
interactive Kubikfoto³:
Further Information and a newsletter on the initiative for a Global Marshall Plan can be found here: |
|
