Interdependence

Understanding the connections and links between all aspects of our lives and those of other people and places at a local and global level, and that decisions taken in one place will affect what happens elsewhere.

Citizenship and stewardship

Recognising that we have rights and responsibilities to participate in decision-making and that everyone should have a say in what happens in the future.

Needs and rights of future generations

Learning how we can lead lives that consider the rights and needs of others, and that what we do now has implications for what life will be like in the future.

Diversity

Understanding the importance and value of diversity in our lives — culturally, socially, economically and biologically — and that all our lives are impoverished without it.

Quality of life

Recognising that for any development to be sustainable it must benefit people in an equitable way, it is about improving everybody’s lives.

Sustainable change

Understanding that there is a limit to the way in which the world, particularly the richer countries, can develop and that the consequences of unmanaged and unsustainable growth are increased poverty and hardship, and the degradation of the environment, to the disadvantage of us all.

Uncertainty and precaution

Realising that as we are learning all the time and our actions may have unforeseen consequences we should adopt a cautious approach to the welfare of the planet.