Green Cross International

Green Cross International
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Name	Green Cross International
Founded date	18 April 1993
Founder	Mikhail Gorbachev
Location	Geneva, Switzerland
Key people	Alexander Likhotal (President, 2008-2022), Marie-Claire Graf (Youth Ambassador)
Focus	Environmental security, sustainable development, peacebuilding
Website	https://www.gcint.org/

Green Cross International. It is a non-governmental environmental organization founded in 1993 by former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, inspired by the call for a "global Red Cross for the environment" at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Headquartered in Geneva, the organization operates globally to address the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, poverty, and security, promoting legal, ethical, and behavioral change. Its work is implemented through a network of national organizations in over 30 countries, focusing on bridging divides between nations, communities, and individuals to foster a sustainable future.

History and founding

The concept was formally proposed by Mikhail Gorbachev during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, commonly known as the Earth Summit. Officially launched on April 18, 1993, in Kyoto, Japan, its creation was supported by prominent figures such as Jean-Michel Cousteau and the International Green Cross. The founding philosophy was deeply influenced by the post-Cold War geopolitical landscape and the growing recognition of transboundary environmental threats. Initial support came from various governments and philanthropic entities, allowing the establishment of its permanent headquarters in the international diplomatic hub of Geneva, Switzerland.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to respond to the combined challenges of security, poverty, and environmental degradation to ensure a sustainable and secure future. Primary objectives include promoting the shift toward a value-based society founded on a culture of dialogue, cooperation, and peace. It seeks to foster legal and ethical norms, such as the proposed Earth Charter, and advocates for the recognition of the human right to a healthy environment. The organization aims to mitigate the consequences of industrial and military legacies, particularly from the former Soviet Union, and to build resilience in communities facing ecological stress and resource scarcity.

Key programs and initiatives

Major initiatives are structured around several flagship programs. The **Environmental Security and Sustainability** program addresses issues like water scarcity, soil contamination, and climate change impacts, notably through projects in the Aral Sea region and Chernobyl-affected areas. The **Social and Medical Care** program, often implemented by national branches like Green Cross Switzerland, provides aid to children affected by industrial pollution and chemical weapons disposal sites. The **Smart Energy** initiative promotes energy efficiency and renewable sources, while the **Legacy of the Cold War** program focuses on chemical weapons destruction and rehabilitation in states like Russia and the United States.

Organizational structure and leadership

The organization is composed of a global network with an international headquarters in Geneva. Leadership has included founding President Mikhail Gorbachev and, later, President Alexander Likhotal, a former advisor in the Gorbachev administration. A Board of Directors and an International Board of Trustees featuring figures like Desmond Tutu and Ted Turner provide strategic guidance. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive team, while program implementation is carried out by independent national organizations in countries including Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, and Ghana.

Partnerships and affiliations

It maintains collaborative relationships with major United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Key partnerships also exist with governmental bodies, such as the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and other NGOs like the Global Green Growth Institute. It is a founding member of the Earth Charter International initiative and works closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross on linking humanitarian and environmental law. Corporate partners have included the Skoll Foundation and various entities within the Renewable energy sector.

Impact and recognition

Its advocacy has contributed to international policy dialogues on water security and chemical safety, influencing frameworks like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Field programs have provided direct aid to thousands of children in contaminated regions of Vietnam and Tajikistan. The organization's founder, Mikhail Gorbachev, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for his prior work, which lent significant credibility to its founding mission. It has also received awards for its disaster resilience projects and its role in promoting the principles of the Earth Charter within the global sustainability movement.

Category:Environmental organizations established in 1993 Category:Organizations based in Geneva