The People’s Charter for an Eco-Social World: A Framework for Afrocentric Social Work in the Wake of Climate Change
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/18104Keywords:
People's Charter, values, climate change, environmental citizenship, Afrocentric social workAbstract
This article argues that environmental citizenship and climate change debates have been an elitist subject, not only because they are embedded in Western ideologies but also because natural and environmental science disciplines dominate them. This hegemony occurs against the backdrop of climate change affecting all nations and people alike, which suggests a need for diversified models and context-specific and inter/multidisciplinary interventions. This article calls for a holistic approach to the achievement of an eco-social world, an approach that acknowledges African values, to curb climate change disasters. Using the conceptual analysis and Afrocentric social work worldview, this article discusses the People’s Charter for an Eco-Social World, a framework adopted during the People’s Global Summit held online from 29 June to 2 July 2022. The summit focused on the theme ‘Co-Building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind,’ a central emphasis of this article. The discussion illuminates the nexus between the People’s Charter, Afrocentric values and the values of the social work profession. The core values of the People’s Charter, including inclusivity, respect, solidarity, ubuntu and buen vivir, align with social work principles and offer a path towards environmental justice. This article also highlights the implications of incorporating African-aligned values into an international policy instrument. It thus recommends Afrocentric green social work as a holistic and inclusive approach to climate change debates that are likely to achieve an eco-social world for all.
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