Section: Sustainable Development in the Progress of Modernization

Topic: From “Human Rights” to Global Responsibility. “Building a Strong Sense of Common Community” in the Era of Climate Change.

Abstract: The human civilization today is confronted with manifold challenges and dangers. Instead of getting lost in particularities, humankind should get more aware to “build a global community of shared future”, as it is also stated in the publication of the State Council Information Office of the People´s Republic of China, October 2021 under the title “Responding to Climate Change: China´s Policies and Actions”. Hence, the paper argues that a future and sustainable development of humankind needs intercultural and international educational efforts and dialogue structures to focus not only on individual “rights” but also on global responsibilities for the planet. The responsibility of humans has to go beyond thinking of themselves. Humans have no right to endanger or even devastate the variety of life on the earth. What is needed, is a sincere and intensive international cooperation based on scientific research. Various philosophical traditions, be it from China, from the “West” or from any other cultures, may help to better understand each other´s cultural and historical backgrounds. But vis-à-vis climate change and other environmental challenges the time slot is getting smaller to create and put into effect a “Strong Sense of Common Community”.