At present, international life is underpinned by two pillars: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which focuses on the dignity of individuals and on the defence of their rights, and the Charter of the United Nations, which focuses on peace and development. These two pillars have been a framework for undeniable progress in the organisation of international relations. But the last fifty years have seen radical global changes. To face up to the massive challenges of the 21st century, a new social compact among human beings is urgently needed, to found a partnership which could ensure the survival both of humankind and of the planet. Such a compact should take the form of a Charter to be endorsed by citizens from all over the world, and later by international institutions.
