WHO: Philadelphia Earth Charter Summits

WHAT: A free public assembly to redesign the Delaware Valley region based on the principle of sustainability.

WHERE: Irvine Auditorium, University of Pennsylvania 34th and Spruce streets

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

KEYNOTERS: Paul Hawken, author of "Ecology of Commerce" and
"Natural Capitalism"
Tom Graham, former Special Representative for Arms
Control, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
Jonathan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute

The Earth Charter Summit at the University of Pennsylvania's Irvine Auditorium will focus on bringing a renewed commitment of activism to the Delaware Valley and the region's social, economic and environmental sustainability movements.

The afternoon is set up for dialogue in focused caucus groups: Education, Health, Responsible Business, Peace and Non-Violence, Energy and Climate, Democracy in Action, Social/Economic Justice and Interfaith and Spirituality. In each group, regional leaders will present current projects and efforts, relate them to specific points of the Earth Charter and discuss barriers to progress.

The Earth Charter was drafted in a 12-year consensus process involving thousands of people and leaders in 56 countries. The Earth Charter recognizes that all regional and global problems are interdependent and declares 16 ethical principles and values that promote economic and social justice, non-violence, democracy, peace and ecological integrity.