31st October 2002

2002World Students' Summit
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan
29th to 31st October, 2002



Declaration

We, the students of the world, assembled at 2002 World Students' Summit, affirm our commitment to the cause of sustainable development and human security.

As young people living in an increasingly insecure and unsustainable world, we are at a crossroads. We can either exacerbate the situation with our inaction, or we can actively redefine our future. Globalization is posing unforeseen challenges: an increasing gap between developed and developing nations, a new dimension to terrorism, changing cultural identities, a deteriorating environment, and unsustainable industries and lifestyles. Furthermore, the failure to meet basic human needs in our rapidly globalizing world is unjustifiable.

However, as well as imposing new hurdles our new world may equip us with the tools to achieve international sustainable development and human security. New forms of communication and media, more effective sharing of resources and an expanding global network allow us to educate and empower individuals and groups. Coupled with these new means, a sense of global identity and responsibility can motivate people to act beyond their national boundaries.

We feel that instead of resisting global transitions, we should harness them, and utilize them to the mutual benefit of all the citizens of our world. We must show leadership in raising awareness of the challenges that confront us, and in developing and implementing the solutions.