Globethics Library: Recent submissions
Now showing items 1-20 of 86041
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Religions beyond borders : the ambivalence and effectiveness of religious engagement in public and global affairsAbstract This article explores the evolving dynamics of religious engagement in public and global affairs, responding to the dual acknowledgment of religion’s significance by secular actors and the proactive involvement of religious leaders in broader societal contexts. Through critical review of existing literature, the paper highlights the complex conceptual and political frameworks and ambivalent understanding of religious engagement, probing on the one hand its intrinsic and generic relationship with interreligious dialogue and on the other the academic conversation about the public role of religion in postmodern societies. The article introduces two key concepts: religious social responsibility and pragmatic pluralism, to navigate, amid diverse cultural narratives, the ambivalence and avoid the instrumentalization of religious roles in public and global affairs. Through an interdisciplinary approach integrating theological and social sciences perspectives, the article addresses critical queries on the rightsizing of religious engagement, and proposes a new typology of faith actors that goes beyond the institutional religious realms and the western development narratives. Moreover, the article identifies key qualifications for effective partnerships, such as the autonomy of faith actors vis-à-vis the political power, their legitimacy and credibility towards their constituencies, their integrity, in addition to the mutual literacy required from them and political actors. Despite the ongoing risks of religious instrumentalization, radical secularism, proselytism, and ethno-religious nationalism, the article attests that religious engagement remains more than ever essential in addressing public and global development and peace challenges, and in enriching the humanitarian narrative with inclusive and fraternal values.
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Frieden retten! Friedensgutachten 2025transcript Verlag, 2025Der Frieden ist auf dem Rückzug: Russlands Krieg in der Ukraine destabilisiert Europa, der Krieg in Gaza stürzt den Nahen Osten in Leid und Gewalt, und im Sudan hat der Konflikt die größte humanitäre Katastrophe der Welt ausgelöst. Zugleich fällt der globale Stabilitätsanker USA aus. Präsident Donald Trump baut das Land nicht nur zu einer Autokratie um, er setzt auch in der Außenpolitik auf das Recht des Stärkeren statt auf Regeln und Kooperation. Das Friedensgutachten 2025 zeigt, warum Europa selbst für seine Sicherheit und Verteidigung sorgen und zugleich am Ziel des Friedens festhalten muss.
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Protecting whistle-blowers in the public service : a global survey of whistle-blowing laws applicable to the public service sectorThis paper provides an analysis of national laws relevant to whistle-blowers in the public sector across 67 ILO Member States. It studies each national law through a selection of indicators derived from reference frameworks and guidance by inter-governmental organizations (e.g. UNODC, OECD) and global civil society organizations (e.g. Transparency International, the International Bar Association). It aims at drawing a picture of each studied member state’s approach to specific questions such as which public sector employees should benefit from a statutory whistle-blower protection, under which conditions and what such protection entails. The study concludes by observing that although enacting national laws protecting whistle-blowers is a relatively recent trend, such laws present a broad diversity of approaches which contrasts with the relative consistency of institutional recommendations.
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Global Ethics Forum 2024 : ethical leadership for a re-envisioned future : policy reportThe Global Ethics Forum (GEF) 2024, held from 2 to 4 September 2024 at the Geneva Maison de la Paix, marked a significant relaunch of a globally recognised platform for ethical dialogue and action. Under the theme “Re-envisioning the Future in an Ethical Multistakeholder Perspective," the forum convened over 600 participants, including 78 speakers and 32 knowledge partners from 34 countries and 6 continents. The primary purpose of the forum is to inspire ethical leadership and provide a safe space for multistakeholder and intercultural dialogue. The event facilitated critical discussions on ethical leadership, innovative solutions, and policy recommendations to address global challenges. Through these discussions, the forum advanced policy recommendations that amplified the voices of underrepresented groups and set a global agenda that integrates ethics as a cornerstone for peace, governance, and technological innovation.
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Intercultural dialogue and engagement for sustainable climate action : applied research project 2024-2025"...this research explores how intercultural dialogue (ICD) can contribute to sustainable climate action by amplifying ethical narratives, enabling solidarity, and integrating marginalized voices into climate discourse. It responds to critiques that dominant models - rooted in scientific rationalism and Western liberalism - overlook traditional knowledge, Indigenous frameworks, and spiritual worldviews (Sun & Shi, 2024; Arthur, 2011). By foregrounding dialogue as a method of knowledge co-production and ethical engagement, this study aims to bridge the gap between global policy frameworks and culturally rooted action". (Introduction, p. 4)
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Christian Call for Peace 2025Ökumenisches Friedenszentrum (Ecumenical Peace Center), 2025-05-01
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الأخلاقیاّت المتعلقة بالمیاه وجھات نظر أخلاقیة بشأن الاستخدام والإدارة المستدامة والعادلة للموارد المائیة = Blue ethics : ethical perspectives on sustainable, fair water resources use and managementFor many policy makers, urban managers, water experts, technicians or activists, ethical perspectives in water management are not important or do not bring any added value. A debate seems to be locked between those stressing mainly the right of access to water for all and those who cannot go beyond economic realism. The sustainable use of a resource that becomes under growing pressure, in terms of extraction, allocation and recycling looks as a technical issue, not to say a technocratic one. This collective book claims the opposite. The many issues faced by the access to water as well as the sustainable use of the resource rely on open negotiations, settling conflicts, tariffs structure while expanding delivery and managing fairly water' scarcity in all these processes, ethical values do matter.
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Redéfinir les systèmes éducatifs africains à l’horizon 2030 : nouvelles pistes pour un débat salutaireSoixante ans après les indépendances, l’Afrique, en quête de solutions novatrices face à la crise éducative, prépare son bilan à l’horizon 2030. Malgré des avancées en matière d’accès, l’école peine à répondre aux aspirations du continent. S’appuyant sur la recherche et son expérience de terrain, l’auteur dresse un diagnostic lucide et propose des axes de refondation : arrimer éducation et développement, recentrer l’école sur les 5-15 ans, améliorer les conditions d’apprentissage et revaloriser enseignants et langues africaines. Il plaide aussi pour une gouvernance repensée, une meilleure articulation entre public et privé, et un renforcement du rôle de la coopération et de la recherche. L’ouvrage ouvre des pistes concrètes pour une éducation africaine plus juste et pertinente.
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Navigating the development and humanitarian funding crisis : ethical implications and strategic responsesThis report presents outcomes from a high-level off-record multistakeholder policy discussion convened by Arigatou International and Globethics in Geneva on 5 March 2025. Representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs), UN agencies, diplomats, and humanitarian experts addressed the ethical challenges posed by shrinking budgets and shifting donor priorities. Discussions focused on rethinking funding models, strengthening collaboration, and upholding ethical principles to ensure that humanitarian and development aid remains effective, responsible, and impact-driven in the face of growing financial constraints. Key ethical dilemmas identified included: 1. Accepting funding from non-traditional or ethically questionable donors. 2. Donor-driven agendas vs. actual humanitarian needs. 3. Prioritising whom to serve with limited resources. 4. Balancing short-term relief and long-term development. 5. Competition between UN agencies and CSOs for limited funding. Recurrent themes included the need for decolonised, locally-led funding models, ethical governance, and sustainable development strategies that reduce reliance on aid. Crucially, the discourse emphasised transforming the development and humanitarian field by placing justice, solidarity, empathy, and compassion at its core – calling for a fundamental shift in power dynamics and value systems that shape global cooperation.
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Promoting and advancing human rights in global AI ecosystems : the need for a comprehensive framework under international lawExecutive Summary:Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming human interactions, key processes and systems that underpin modern society, from decision-making mechanisms to information flows, economic structures, and international relations. While its potential is comprehensive, AI introduces significant risks, such as reduced human autonomy, algorithmic bias, data privacy threats, and challenges in accountability for algorithmic harm. Emerging technologies, such as embodied AI and large language models, exacerbate these risks, affecting human-machine interactions and raising concerns about environmental sustainability and human rights across the AI value chain. In response to far-reaching societal impacts of AI, policymakers are increasingly adopting a human rights lens for AI governance. However, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented and characterized by Western led initiatives as well as inconsistent enforcement. To address these limitations, a unified and binding international framework is urgently needed.The proposed Convention on AI, Data, and Human Rights (drafted as the "Munich Convention on AI, Data, and Human Rights") is an initiative toward such a framework. Developed with contributions from over 50 global experts, it proposes an international convention to align AI governance with human rights principles. This whitepaper explores the underlying rationale behind the convention, emphasizing its alignment with the norms and principles articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter. It examines the relevance of safeguards against AI's misuse in facilitating human rights violations, with particular focus on protecting underrepresented or marginalized groups, including indigenous peoples, and addressing collective rights. It furthermore points to the necessity to codify rights that empower individuals to opt out, be forgotten, seek explanations, and access remedies to maintain adequate human rights standards in the context of AI. The urgency to act arises from the escalating impact of AI and the rapid pace of political and technological advancements. The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is particularly well poised to play a leading role in initiating global discussions on a binding convention for AI governance, grounded in human rights principles. Drawing on its established mandate to uphold human rights globally, the UNHRC has a record of successfully embedding human rights principles into international frameworks, as demonstrated by its endorsement of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Through dedicated action around promoting a convention on AI and human rights, the UNHRC can foster international consensus and proactively shape the future of AI in a manner that prioritizes the values and principles enshrined in the key documents of international human rights law [p.1].
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Church integrity systems : a handbook : anti-corruption efforts of churches need a resetTrust in institutions is waning across the globe, whether in governments, the judiciary, business, the media, or civil society - including religious and educational bodies. A key factor is the persistent prevalence of corruption within many institutions. Restoring trust demands a steadfast commitment to integrity, transparency, responsibility, and accountability. This book explores the Integrity Systems of Christian churches, examining the structures, realities, and both theological and political root causes of integrity failures. It presents insights and experiences from Church Integrity Systems across denominations and continents, offering biblical, ecclesiological, and ethical guidance. It includes 50 strategic recommendations with a wealth of codes of conduct, standards, and checklists. It is a valuable and practical handbook for believers and church leaders dedicated to upholding the integrity and credibility of their institutions.
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Ethics in open and distance educationOpen education is in comparison to the UNESCO 2021 recommendation for open science, based primarily on the intellectual virtue of open science. We easily notice in this text the great admiration for a philosophical positivism, placing academic knowledge and science in the center of some collaborative practices: “open, transparent, collaborative and inclusive scientific practices, coupled with more accessible and verifiable scientific knowledge subject to scrutiny and critique, is a more efficient enterprise that improves the quality, reproducibility and impact of science, and thereby the reliability of the evidence needed for robust decision-making and policy and increased trust in science.” There is a “vital importance of science, technology and innovation (STI)”, if not for “promoting democracy and peace” or for complying with the UN “Sustainable Development Goals”, open science or its younger brother open education are meant surly to reduce a de facto economically unequal situation in the world, which can be depicted as distance or “digital gaps” existing “between and within countries”. Open economy of knowledge suggests a ground principle of negative freedom not to be constrained in an access to some basic goods. We should think about natural conditions, not only political and economical or human decision related constraints: Africa, and the least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), show that natural types of constraints are everywhere. Interestingly, twelve among the poorest countries (with the lowest Human Development Index, (HDI) scores) are landlocked, or isolated places. With eight thematic articles focusing on open and distance education, JEHE 5(2024) is reaching closer to the heart of interdisciplinary research, bringing thought elements for policy in artificial intelligence and education, by showing that good conversations on ethics can bring teaching and research beyond the traditional gaps.
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Ethical, regulative and legislative perspectives on emerging technologies and educationEthical considerations in emerging technologies for education entails clear options on at least four different sets of concepts. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the landscape of education. However, their adoption raises ethical questions. One challenge lies probably in obtaining informed consent from students in the changing environment of the places where they study, in close interaction with AI technological innovations. There are regulations and legal perspectives that both bring solutions but also challenges. Education and science, as distinct from technology, may need to be redefined from a philosophical perspective. Technologies of information open a new dimension on regulatory and legal aspects in relation to bringing more justice on a global scale. Technology and science are two distinct fields, entailing a set of different disciplines. These days, public media give us the impression that supercomputers, which are used to analyse tens of millions of risk scenarios, will solve most of our concrete risks, but is it always useful to use the computing power of a computer to maximise societal stability and prevent concrete harms? Before we think about regulating emerging technologies, we might need to think about what our problems require, often there will be a delicate balance, between knowing the reality of the problem, before we think of the solution, and before we check if we have mastered some physical reality-based application of our problem-solving thinking. On the one hand, rapid technological advancements exist, on the other scientific use of intelligence in solving concrete problems which is not only a matter of technology, is rather often related to defining the right pragmatic use of sciences. For example, the question of the predictability of risks has always been a complex issue, and technologies in the past as today, posed challenges as much as they brought possible solutions. There are many situations, where we can describe a set of phenomena, but cannot predict, like tossing a coin in the air and trying to guess which way it will land.
