At
present, international life is underpinned by two pillars: the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, which focuses on the dignity of individuals
and on the defence of their rights, and the Charter of the United
Nations, which focuses on peace and development. These two pillars
have been a framework for undeniable progress in the organisation
of international relations. But the last fifty years have seen radical
global changes.
To
face up to the massive challenges of the 21st century, a new social
compact among human beings is urgently needed, to found a partnership
which could ensure the survival both of humankind and of the planet.
Such a compact should take the form of a Charter to be endorsed
by citizens from all over the world, and later by international
institutions.