LEAD Vision, Mission, Objectives, Principles & Code of Conduct

LEAD International and the LEAD Member Programs subscribe to the vision and mission of LEAD as set out below:

Vision
LEAD International's guiding philosophy is rooted in the ethical value of caring for our planet and all life that it sustains now and into the future. LEAD is committed to making a contribution toward the creation of a global society based on mutual obligations and responsibilities in which development patterns will satisfy the shared needs and aspirations of all people and respect the Earth’s living systems and natural resources.

Mission
LEAD's mission is to create and sustain a global network of leaders who are committed to promote change towards patterns of economic development that are environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.

How we accomplish our mission

* LEAD fosters change by identifying outstanding men and women at the mid-career level from around the world representing a range of backgrounds and provides them with the training designed to enhance their leadership capabilities and knowledge of issues related to environment and development.

* LEAD provides learning opportunities based on the best available current thinking, information, expertise and adult learning techniques. A two-year training program designed to complement professional commitments allows participants the opportunity to reflect, conceptualize and make decisions related to the transition to greater environmental and social sustainability.

* LEAD supports the network of its alumni through a Fellows Program.

* LEAD fosters a learning environment based on mutual respect, equal opportunity and transparency that seeks to encourage long-term solidarity and support among participants. LEAD actively upholds the principles of the freedom of association, expression, information, communication and movement without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, language or gender.

* LEAD guides its participants towards solving complex problems related to the environment and development, challenges them to work co-operatively to look beyond the limits of their own disciplines, and encourages them to become agents of change in their workplaces, communities, countries and beyond.

* LEAD has established an international network of support by providing members of the LEAD family with links to each other and to the environment and development communities at large through an Internet based computer network.

* LEAD has created an effective institutional framework to carry out its mission that has uniformly high standards, but also reflects different experiences, practices and cultures.

LEAD's mission is translated into action through a set of Principles and a Code of Conduct:

Principles

* Foster the rational and equitable use of renewable and non-renewable resources on a local, national and global scale.

* Preserve the options available to future generations to use natural resources to meet their needs.

* Promote a better understanding of sustainable development and implement these ideas in everyday life.

* Expand and exchange knowledge and experience about sustainable development.

* Incorporate the principles of sustainable development into professional activities and at home.

* Encourage the building of human capacities through education and training on issues related to sustainable development.

Code of Conduct

All Members of the LEAD family (Associates, Fellows, staff, International, National and Regional Board members) are committed to the LEAD Code of Conduct:

* Be respectful and tolerant in their relations with each other irrespective of race, religion, culture, language or gender.
* Participate in the program's activities in a spirit of altruism.
* Collaborate with one another to help promote the general objectives of the LEAD program.
* Abide by the general rules and regulations of all partner institutions involved in the implementation of the program nationally, regionally and internationally.
* Refrain from undertaking any action that may harm the legitimate interests of any partner institution.

Revised, October 1998