‘Global Governance for Sustainable World Order’

We live in a world that is not too different from the one of the past. While earlier generations were faced with challenges of food security, health and education, a majority of people today are still struggling for equitable access to them. Although it is true that the world has become better connected due to the rapid advances in communications and the growth of international trade, disparities have increased exponentially, especially with regard to access to health, education, employment opportunities, social emancipation and environmental justice. With national governments being overthrown by force and the resurgence of terror as an acceptable means of achieving political objectives, human rights have taken a beating. Vaccine nationalism has made the world even more economically disparate and nations and people around the world are already experiencing the severe impact of climate change. International conduct is at an all-time low and global unity seems a chimera. Compounding the issue is the threat of nuclear proliferation and the very real danger of a Third World War.

It is unfortunate that even in these times of global cooperation, when it comes to working on the ground, narrow sovereign interests govern international conduct and behaviour. The truth is that there is scant respect for existing international law and even where there is; it is influenced by personal interests and ulterior motives. The manner in which the mandate of democratically elected governments is ignored does not augur well for humanity. Institutions of global governance are no longer adequate for us as they have far outlived their utility. International laws cannot be enforced effectively because there is no acceptable mechanism for their enforcement. And punishment?

Terrorism and issues related to the environment have come across as the two most important issues that we must deal with urgently. While acts of terrorism have an immediate impact and assaults our sensibilities and emotions, the effects of environmental indifference and disdain take time to express themselves. However, recent events, have shown that if cause of the problem is not addressed on time, then it is nigh impossible to halt the destruction that naturally follows. Social issues are driven by want and denial of resources and if we take care of them, we can work our way towards global economic development and prosperity.

Modern challenges that the world faces have to be countered by a collective response which must be guided by the rule of law, as it is the foundation of friendly and equitable relations between states and lies at the base of fair societies. Justice, opportunity and peace underpin development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights, can only be achieved by effective rule of law which in turn reduces corruption, combats poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices large and small. Strengthening the rule of law involves respect for the norms of international law, including on the use of force, and recognition of the primary responsibility of States to protect their populations from genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes. The rule of law is a core element of the humanitarian and human rights agendas; is crucial to understanding and addressing the reasons for displacement and statelessness; and is the foundation of the humanitarian protection regime.

In the Conference, the topics of discussion, as enumerated below, are envisioned to drive the deliberations at the Conference and the resultant directions and recommendations made by the world judiciary will be shared with the leaders of the world, thus inspiring and guiding them to strive for the aspirational goal of unity of mankind.

The sub-themes and topics for discussion would be primarily, but not limited to:

• Rule of Law (World Law) and Nuclear Disarmament
• Reform of Global Governance Structures – Collaboration & Accountability
• Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Planetary Wellbeing and the Legacy of Minors Opposa vs. Secretary Factoran
• Establishment of a World Parliamentary Assembly for UN Accountability and Legitimacy
• Establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court
• Global Citizenship Education – Role in Achieving the SDGs
• Race/Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women - a prerequisite for Social Equity and Social Justice
• Interfaith Dialogue and Learning - essential for building relationships

*Article 51 of the Constitution of India states that,

The State shall endeavour to:

• promote international peace and security,
• maintain just and honourable relations between nations,
• foster respect for international law... and,
• encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

City Montessori School (CMS) has a profound vision of empowering its students to become protagonists of a dual process of individual and societal transformation, via their engagements with the affairs of the age and through global citizenship education. CMS believes that at a certain moment in human history, education must also act as a powerful instrument of profound social transformation and that moment has now arrived.

It is with this background that we have been holding annual International Conferences of Chief Justices of the World since 2001, to deliberate on the issue of a safe and secure future for humanity. So far 1361 Hon Chief Justices, Judges, Head of States, Speakers of the Parliament and Ministers of Justice, Foreign Affairs and Education of the World from 136 countries have taken active participation in the previously held 22 Conferences. We believe that the Voice of World Judiciary its commitment to justice, impartiality, and regard to universal values and law are highly esteemed and trusted by all sections of society and, therefore, their well-considered impartial views in the matter will have a high impact.