Laying the foundations for?new eco-social contracts

It is undeniable. We are in an era of 'polycrisis'?—?a disruptive and compounding series of crises all happening at the same time, leading to social inequality and?economic and ecological decay.?We believe the only way to sustain meaningful and just transformation is through new?eco-social contracts.?

Eco-social contracts are the framework for action, that put people at the heart of deliberative processes and participatory mechanisms, to create radical pathways of change. Engaging and bringing together policy makers, civil society organisations and key stakeholders?to catapult the movement will be essential. Ensuring policy coherence towards a shared agenda can?accelerate the climate and environmental transitions and tackle?structural socio-economic inequalities.?

Different permutations of social contracts already exist all around the world and?signal a positive trend. People are?demanding change for fairer representation and outcomes. We now have the foundation for action, next?we must implement and build back trust and solidarity.?

REPORT:??Action for eco-social contracts

Eco-social contracts emerge from claims for recognition, rights, freedoms?and can act as a?framework for action.?Andrew Norton?identifies and explores?the societal engagement mechanisms, public institutions and policy approaches?that can be used to?take forward eco-social contract processes to drive social and economic transformation?in response to the 'polycrisis' we are experiencing.? "The time is now to rebuild trust for policy for a just and sustainable world economy" Read more...?

ACTION:?Wellbeing of People and Planet

An ambitious and urgent call on European Ministers, the EU and national level decisionmakers to show bold political leadership by prioritising?climate action and social justice as one coherent and mutually reinforcing agenda.

The GEC is a signatory to this action convened by Solidar. Change can happen to unify and build back the lost trust through a new European Social Contract. Read more...?

BLOG:?Conversation?on social contracts?

Kumi Naidoo,?former International Executive Director of Greenpeace International and Secretary General of Amnesty International?and Mary Robinson,?former President of Ireland co-author the foreword to our new research report,?Eco-Social Contracts for the Polycrisis.? "The climate crisis, the nature crisis, the inequality crisis – this is a crisis of confidence, a crisis of governance. People want change and want greater clarity about the relationship between power and people." Read more...?

PAPER:?Just transition in?South Africa

Gaylor Montmasson-Clair explores the development of representative and direct democracy in South Africa and how new and existing mechanisms can increase citizen engagement. A just transition cannot be achieved without paying due attention to participatory justice elements that shield vulnerable stakeholders?from impacts and ideally leave them better off after the transition.?Read more...?

BLOG:?Overheard in Bonn

In August, members of the?the Global Research and Action Eco-Social Contracts Network gathered in Bonn?to discuss the visions, processes and principals of new eco-social contracts.? From the many diverse viewpoints and speakers representing expertise and experience from around the world, we've pulled together some of our favourite quotes from day one. Read quotes...?

RESEARCH:?MSMEs in Southern Africa?

The Economic Commission for Africa demonstrates the many opportunities available to micro-small and medium-sized enterprises in the green and blue economies in Southern Africa Development Community?countries.? As they?dominate the economies of?SADC countries?in terms of their?numbers, it is vital we realise their potential. This?paper sets out a number of actions and proposals going forward.?Read full report...

REPORT:??G20 push for policy

“It is vital to recognise that climate instability, biodiversity loss and deepening inequality are global problems, which require global solutions.” This research report,?written by Chris Hopkins and published by the Indian Presidency of the G20's Think Twenty initiative sets out steps for global institutions to provide policy coherence and leadership as the world embarks on a?massive economic transformation. Read more..?

ACCORD:??Sign up for social contracts

Sign the People's Accord?and join us in?calling upon world leaders, citizens movements, civil society and international institutions to work together to unleash the potential of revitalised social contracts that?rebuild?trust and solidarity. Read more...?

REPORT:? Global study launch?

The GEC has launched a global study on Eco-Social Networks with UNRISD.?The report?contains examples of eco-social contracts that are being implemented as well as visions of?how they can be developed. As part of the launch event, former president of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvara Quesada, shared his experiences of introducing Costa Rica's world leading Decarbonisation Plan and his insights into re-negotiating eco-social contracts. Read more...

BLOG:??Fear, trust and?transformation

Oliver Greenfield introduces our new reseach paper?on eco-social contracts in a polycrisis.?Over the next decade, we will help the proliferation of transformative?processes, spread their inspiration and lessons, and connect their movements and their power. Read more...?

The Green Economy Coalition is the largest global alliance of organisations working on a green and fair economy. Learn more: www.greeneconomycoalition.org