Southeast Asian Perspectives on the Six Principles of the Global Greens – A Regional Dialogue E-paper Series

With this E-Paper series the Heinrich Boell Stiftung Regional Office for Southeast Asia brings together regional views on the six core principles as laid out in the Global Greens Charter, initially adopted by the Global Greens in 2001 and recently amended in 2023: ecological wisdom, social justice, participatory democracy, non-violence, sustainability and respect for diversity^[i]. In an era of polycrises, the Global Greens aim to unite and empower the worlds green movements and to work together for a fairer, sustainable and healthier planet for all and create a commitment for urgent action on climate, biodiversity, social justice, peace and security, and democracy^[ii].

This E-paper series came from the idea that the Southeast Asian region has shared values, commonly practice traditions, and beliefs while continuously seeking to build connections across borders and find common lines that shape the social and environmental landscape. Six authors from the region were invited to elaborate the six principles of Global Greens further in the context of Southeast Asia. They share their insights on each principle and how it is reflected in today’s context of the region. Together, these six principles form an integrated framework for addressing the interconnected crises of our time. They remind us that environmental health, human rights, peace, and democratic participation are deeply interconnected in our societal fabric as a region, and that a greener future depends on embracing them all.

The E-paper series aims to contribute towards an enriched understanding about the global principles in the region, but moreover wants to contribute unique Southeast Asian perspectives and new knowledges to a global green thinking overall. We hope to be able to initiate a regional green thinking and dialogue. We intend to publish the thematic e-papers monthly – accompanied by webinars and other audio/visual contributions.

Our series stars with a contribution on nonviolence. Nonviolence stands for conflict resolution through dialogue, cooperation, and diplomacy rather than force. The principle extends beyond the absence of war. It includes advocating for peace education, disarmament, and the creation of cultures that reject oppression and coercion in any form.

Dr. Chanintira na Thalang, Thammasat University (Thailand) shares her take on  “When Non-Violence Fails: The Challenges of Resolving Conflicts in Southeast Asia”. The paper analyzes Southeast Asia’s uneven commitment to non-violence in achieving state and human security. It highlights how ASEAN’s norms, economic cooperation, and multilateralism have fostered regional peace despite imperfections. However, ASEAN’s strict adherence to non-interference limits its ability to address internal conflicts, often leading states to rely on military means that contradict the notions of non-violence.

The second contribution on social justice. Social Justice emphasizes fairness, equity, and solidarity among all people. It challenges structural inequalities, whether economic, gender based, or racial, and supports redistributive policies that ensure access to basic needs like health care, education, and decent livelihoods. Global Greens see environmental and social justice as inseparable, since those who suffer most from environmental degradation are often the world’s poorest.

Dr. Yulius Purwadi Hermawan, Nazwa, and Syanne Averina Teja, Universitas Katolik Parahyangan (Indonesia) share their take on “Creative Vision or Concrete Action? Reflections on Social Justice in Southeast Asia”. The paper examines ASEAN’s efforts to promote social and environmental justice since 1967, highlighting its strong rhetorical commitments but limited practical outcomes. Despite numerous declarations and initiatives, deep inequalities and environmental vulnerabilities persist across the region. It calls for ASEAN to take bolder, more concrete actions to realize its vision of a truly people-centered and just community.