Ep94 Mirian Vilela on the Earth Charter, storytelling to promote system thinking, and relationships with everyone including the Earth

"It’s important to emphasise that a key purpose of the Earth Charter is to expand and deepen a consciousness with regards to how we ought to relate not only with ourselves, and with others, but also how we ought to relate with the large living world." - Mirian Vilela

Let us welcome Mirian Vilela who is the Executive Director of the Earth Charter International Secretariat and the Centre for Education for Sustainable Development at the University for Peace (UPEACE). Additionally, Mirian coordinates the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter.

Mirian first introduces us to her upbringing in Brazil on her father's farm, and how this cultivated a connection to nature.

Irma and Mirian then discuss what is the Earth Charter, how it was born from common human shared values and how the Earth Charter played a key role in Mirian’s life, giving her a voice. They also share the importance of telling stories to promote system thinking to establish relationships with everyone including the Earth.  

“Our favourite story is the flight of the hummingbird, it's an inspiration to act on behalf of the world’s limited and precious resources, this is very much in line with the vision of the Earth Charter” – Irma Verhoeven

Mirian concludes by telling us a couple of stories, including one where a relationship formed with the Earth in that instant.

Read about the Earth Charter HERE

Become a member HERE