From 12–14 April 2024, a conference hosted by Earth Charter International (ECI) examining future visions of education that could lead to a sustainable future took place at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, United States. The conference, titled “Reimagining Education for Ecological Civilizations,” aimed to foster collaboration among innovative approaches to education contributing to ecological civilization and explore new ways to orient education toward creating such civilizations.

The conference attracted 155 participants from 20 countries and regions. Keynote speakers included Jeremy Lent, author and founder of the Deep Transformation Network, who highlighted the need to shift from a worldview of separation to one of connection, emphasizing the role of education in realizing this shift.

Another keynote speaker was Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-founder of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, who stressed that China has been promoting environmental policies as part of its national agenda for over a decade. She stated that the concept of ecological civilization is widely recognized among the country’s youth. In response to Dr. Tucker's presentation, a participant from China emphasized that the Earth Charter instills “heart” into such policies, underscoring the need to change human hearts alongside institutional reforms.

The Earth Charter provides an ethical vision that underpins the specific goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As ECI Executive Director Mirian Vilela stated, “If the SDGs are the building, the Earth Charter is the foundation.”

In total, including breakout sessions, there were over 70 presentations that highlighted ecological civilization and the need for both policy reform and inner transformation. Notable moments at the conference included impactful lectures and discussions on youth engagement and the importance of dialogue for societal change.

Many speakers agreed that modern civilization, which has pursued development at the expense of nature since the Industrial Revolution, has reached its limits, as demonstrated by the climate crisis and the threat from nuclear weapons. They called for a reconsideration of the relationship between human beings and the planet.

Dr. Sam Crowell, member of the Earth Charter International Council and professor emeritus at California State University, pointed to three empty seats on the stage during his lecture. He explained that these seats were intentionally left empty to represent the oppressed and voiceless, the natural environment that cannot speak for itself and future generations yet to be born. This gesture embodied the spirit of the Earth Charter, showing profound consideration for all humanity and the community of life.

A participatory session led by ECI youth representatives, including Kiyoshi Akasu of SGI, addressed stereotypes about youth, such as the assumption that young people need guidance due to a lack of experience. Many young attendees shared their frustration on this point, stressing the importance of listening to and learning from youth rather than merely teaching them. This sentiment received the loudest applause of the three-day event.

Akasu also presented together with Joan Anderson of SGI in a breakout session on environmental education, where they introduced the dialogue between SGI President Ikeda and Dr. Aurelio Peccei of the Club of Rome, Before It Is Too Late. Akasu and Anderson emphasized the principle of "human revolution," or inner transformation, needed to underpin societal transformation, and the importance of dialogue, as championed by Ikeda.

Other presenters included Professor Michiyo Kakegawa of Soka University, who discussed student-led research initiatives and President of Soka University of America Ed Feasel, who shared experiences in fostering global citizenship. The event also highlighted activities by the Soka Amazon Institute in Brazil, which are focused on environmental education and developing partnerships. In addition to the presentations and discussions, the conference also saw the launch of the new "Seeds of Hope and Action" hashtag campaign.

The conference was organized under the framework of the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development and the UNESCO UNITWIN Cooperation Programme on Education for Sustainable Development and Social Transformation.

SGI has been collaborating with the Earth Charter movement for over 20 years, engaging in various educational and awareness activities, including exhibitions, conferences and the development of the now-discontinued smartphone app “Mapting.”

In a world where debates often become divisive and combative, the message of mutual trust and creative solutions through dialogue stressed throughout the conference was appreciated by many participants.