The Jena Declaration

What The Jena Declaration does

The Jena Declaration is a non-profit global declaration and movement calling for a double paradigm shift in sustainability: from top-down to bottom-up strategies, and from a nature-society dichotomy to a culture-nature logic that places cultural richness and regional conditions at the center of pathways to global sustainability. It was initiated at a virtual conference hosted by the UNESCO Chair on Global Understanding for Sustainability in October 2020 and was officially launched online on 9 September 2021 with contributions from representatives of the Club of Rome, the World Academy of Art and Science, and climate activist Luisa Neubauer. As of September 2024, the movement counts roughly 1,000 individual signatories, about 200 institutional supporters, and 40 project partners spanning arts, education, civil society, and business across every continent.

Its core offering consists of four non-commercial digital products: an online signature platform (thejenadeclaration.org/sign) that captures name, email, city, country, and institutional affiliation; the Agora digital community hub for news and project coordination; a series of continental conferences (AmericaS in November 2023, Asia in May 2025, and Africa in November 2025) for regional dialogue; and an email newsletter. The technical footprint is modest: a website plus social channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) hosted from a World Secretariat at Löbdergraben 32 in Jena, co-coordinated with the Max-Weber-Kolleg at the University of Erfurt and the University of Music Franz Liszt in Weimar.

The operating model is non-commercial. There are no paid products, no disclosed revenue, and no funding rounds; support derives from institutional backing through Friedrich Schiller University Jena, voluntary engagement, and a partner ecosystem that includes anchor founders (Club of Rome, WAAS, CIPSH) and more than 60 project and institutional partners. Prof. Dr. Benno Werlen, holder of the UNESCO Chair on Global Understanding for Sustainability since 2018, is the founder and chair of the World Secretariat, supported by a 1–10 person team. Customer segments are personas rather than buyers: researchers, artists, youth and students, civil-society organizations, educators, entrepreneurs, and international institutions, all of whom sign or partner with the movement without monetary exchange.

Name

The Jena Declaration

Legal name

The Jena Declaration

Website

https://thejenadeclaration.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Jena Declaration is a non-profit global movement and digital platform coordinated by the UNESCO Chair at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, calling for a bottom-up, culture-led paradigm shift in sustainability. It serves researchers, artists, civil-society organizations, and youth across all continents through open signing, the Agora community hub, and a series of continental conferences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Global Sustainability Movement

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental, Climate & Sustainability Standards & Reporting Cooperation (BPADANAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Governance, Democracy & Rule of Law (BPAGABAI), Education Systems Strengthening (Policy, Planning, EMIS, Governance) (BPADAKAK), Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Reporting for Donor Programs (BPADAOAL)

Keywords

• Global sustainability movement
• Cultural sustainability advocacy
• UNESCO declaration platform
• Civil society coalition
• Intercultural research network

Headquarters

HQ city

Jena

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Non-profit Declaration Movement: The Jena Declaration operates as a non-profit global initiative coordinated by the UNESCO Chair on Global Understanding for Sustainability at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. It does not appear to have commercial revenue streams. The movement is sustained through institutional support, partnerships, and volunteer engagement.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Jena Declaration operates a free-to-sign global declaration and movement for sustainability, coordinated by the UNESCO Chair on Global Understanding for Sustainability at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. It mobilizes individual signatories, institutional supporters, and project partners across academia, the arts, civil society, youth, education, entrepreneurship, and international organizations through an online signing platform, an Agora content hub, and continental conferences.

Product overview

The Jena Declaration is a global movement and online coordination platform rather than a commercial product. The core offering consists of the Declaration Platform itself (for gathering signatures and supporter engagement), the Agora digital hub (for news, project coordination, and community exchange), Continental Conferences (AmericaS, Africa, Asia), and a Newsletter service. These work together as an integrated ecosystem: the Declaration Platform drives signatory engagement, Agora facilitates project coordination and knowledge sharing, conferences provide regional dialogue forums, and the Newsletter maintains ongoing communication with supporters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Jena Declaration Free-to-sign global declaration and movement for sustainability, offering individuals, institutions, and project partners a public endorsement mechanism and a unifying framework for cultural and global sustainability.
• Agora Online community and content hub (Agora) that aggregates news, blog posts, videos, and digital programming for signatories, institutional supporters, and project partners of The Jena Declaration.
• Continental Conferences (AmericaS, Africa, Asia) Regionally organized conference series (AmericaS, Africa, Asia) that convene signatories, institutional supporters, and project partners around cultural sustainability themes on each continent.
• Jena Declaration Newsletter Email newsletter that distributes movement updates, news, and event information to individual signatories, institutional supporters, and project partners of The Jena Declaration.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reached 1,000+ individual signatories and 200+ institutional supporters connecting millions of citizens globally
• +2 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

65 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 1960 by Albert Einstein's initiative, WAAS is an international non-governmental scientific organization with 800+ scientists, artists, and scholars in 90+ countries. Serves as a forum for addressing global challenges from a transnational, transdisciplinary perspective. WAAS partners with TJD for conferences including the Human Security for All Conference.
• Club of RomecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 1968 in Rome, Italy, the Club of Rome is a nonprofit organization of intellectuals and business leaders addressing global issues. Includes 100 full members from heads of state, UN administrators, scientists, and business leaders. Gained fame with 'The Limits to Growth' report in 1972. Founding partner of The Jena Declaration.
• Humanities, Arts & SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA project by UNESCO-MOST, CIPSH, and Mémoire de l'Avenir that demonstrates the impact of arts and creativity on society, promotes global understanding, and establishes a worldwide movement of artists, researchers, and project holders.
• Mémoire de l'Avenir (MDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization promoting arts, cultural heritage care, and humanities as tools for inclusive, culturally sensitive social transformation towards global sustainability. Organizes arts events and fosters intercultural-transdisciplinary dialogue.
• Earth5RmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNESCO Green Citizen recognized global environmental organization with 6.3 million citizens in 65 countries. Uses smart technology and big data to engage people in climate action. Partners on Sustainable Futures Podcast and sustainability initiatives.
• World Ocean Observatory (W2O)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on ocean communication, education, advocacy, and outreach. Operates the World Ocean Forum for proposals on ocean policy and action worldwide. Co-organizes TJD conferences including Asia conference 2025.
• Collective Leadership InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBased in Potsdam and Cape Town, empowers collective leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and transformation stewardship. Offers certification programs and Young Leaders for Sustainability program. Conference partner for Transformation Literacy Conference.
• Global Ambassadors of Sustainability (GAoS)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal non-profit network promoting sustainability with 13,000+ members from 130+ countries. Founded 2020, headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with hubs in Riyadh and Dubai. Partners with CIFAL-UNITAR and World Urban Campaign.
• Catalyst NowmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial entrepreneur-led global movement co-founded 2019, launched at Davos 2020. Committed to transformational change for people and planet. Has reached 3,500+ member organizations and 5,500 individual members from 146 countries.
• FairpicturesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatform for fair photography enabling photographers and video journalists in the Global South to collaborate with nonprofits, companies, and media outlets. Changes perception of the Global South beyond stereotypes.
• GRID HeritagesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between University of Sussex, Jawaharlal Nehru University, SOAS, and The Jena Declaration. Funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council. Engages to overcome discrimination by gender, caste, class, race/ethnicity, sexuality, and disability.
• Reconnecting With Your Culture (RWYC) Int.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPedagogical program bringing younger generations closer to values of local cultural heritage for community sustainability. Promotes respect for cultural diversity and helps train responsible citizens through cultural heritage knowledge.
• esdev FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPan-African not-for-profit NGO headquartered in Accra, Ghana with global partners. Committed to building critical mass of African youth through qualitative education and skills development, research, and lifelong learning opportunities.
• World Climate School (WCS)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal peer-to-peer initiative combining technology with experiential learning through art and sports. Child-centered pedagogy for lifelong learning connecting children in culture of peace and just transition.
• Sustainability Centre NorwaysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Cities partner assisting public and private sectors in achieving UN SDGs with focus on sustainable economic development. Operates in Norway and Africa including Green Energy Corridor for net zero transition.
• APHELEIAsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanities European Association for Culturally Integrated Landscape Management. Structures strategies fostering integrated, culturally embedded landscape management at local base for global sustainability.
• Cultural Sustainability AcademysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal cultural sustainability hub facilitating development of strategies, methodologies, and thought leadership for cultural-sustainability-based decision-making. Registered trademark with EUIPO since September 2022.
• Ktopia GameworldssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGame design organization inviting young people into narrative education worlds and supporting co-creation of open-source analogue-digital games for exploring regenerative food systems and global sustainability.
• Legacy17supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to collaborate for sustainable future. Members work independently in 14 countries on four continents developing citizens' skills for deep societal transformation.
• Global Sustainable Futures Network CIC (GSFN)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmpowers communities through climate action, ESG education, carbon accounting, and environmental stewardship. Localized approach with FARM-CARBON project aiming to engage 20 million African farmers in regenerative agriculture.
• WhyWeCraft AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHolistic approach to cultural sustainability and biocultural diversity safeguarding. Textile craftsmanship as tool for self-reliance and socio-cultural well-being through artisan-designer partnerships.
• Assam Don Bosco UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished 2008 by Don Bosco Society for educational needs of North-East India. Awards best contributions from civic society to local sustainability. 'A' grade university by National Assessment and Accreditation Council.
• Action4Peace 2030 Campaign (AAPI)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDecade-long action campaign for sustainable peacebuilding targeting youth-led and grass-root initiatives across Africa. Coordinates volunteers and mobilizes resources through Green & Blue Economy, Digital Economy, and Creative Industry clusters.
• SHARE-INNOsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit in Paris harnessing science, music, and art for creative expression and social innovation. Signature program We-LEAD addresses culturally sensitive sustainability challenges through capacity-building and mentorship.
• Chakra Cultural FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation for Cultural Research and Affiliation, Jakarta, Indonesia. Underlies culture as foundation for new global structure to resolve global crises. Part of Far Orient Initiative partnering for UN SDGs.
• Global United FC e.V.supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational non-profit association raising sustainability awareness through football. 500+ former football legends and active players involved in charity matches in endangered locations. Links football excitement to sustainability commitment.
• Cultural Intellectual Property Rights Initiative (CIPRI)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorldwide movement supporting recognition of cultural intellectual property rights. Mediates between stakeholders in fashion and craft ecosystem to support cultural sustainability and traditional cultural expressions.
• WeCanAccesssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise making world more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. Works with partners in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Social inclusion at local level is prime condition for culturally adapted sustainable living.
• Sohaya VisionssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts organization working with minority artists in Britain and South Asia through theatre, film, multi-sensory, and digital media. Supports new writing for culturally diverse audiences and intergenerational educational activities.
• World Capital InstitutesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent international think tank for knowledge-based development and Knowledge Cities. Offers Most Admired Knowledge Cities (MAKCi) Award and Knowledge Cities World Summit.
• Rethinking ChoicessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganization advocating for explicit limits to oil, gas, and coal. Brings voices into discussions on nature and dignity (#its4u). Empowers genuine choices to individuals.
• 2N2K (Network Sustainability in Arts and Culture)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSensitizes cultural sector to sustainability topic. Supports cultural institutions and practitioners in developing sustainability strategies and activities.
• Centre of Inclusive Care (CIC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise and multidisciplinary therapy center in Karachi, Pakistan providing mental health, allied health, and special education services. Advocates for inclusion of children with special needs.
• Women of Concern Professionals (WOCPSCN)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit for community development and socioeconomic sustainability with core values of gender equality. Four pillars: women's health, education, community development, and global sustainability.
• Integrated History (IHOPE)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal community of researchers interested in past and future of humans and planet Earth. Works globally with communities of practice including indigenous peoples, citizen scientists, and decision makers.
• Daily Impact Emergency Management (DIEM)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpert Network and Research Group with global reach. Functions as training/education group and activist network providing access to industry, academia, media, and local communities.
• TAAFS (African American Future Society)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal membership-based research organization sharing African American worldview using AI, intelligent machines, foresight, and future scenarios. Builds intelligent systems through foresight for sustainable living.
• Healing VenezuelasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 2016 in UK to alleviate health crisis in Venezuela. Focuses on poorest populations through programs for junior doctors sponsorship, water treatment plants, medical equipment, and food programs.
• United Cities ProgramsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of cities and local communities operating on shared principles for sustainable development. Co-creates investable projects delivering local impact and best practices.
• The Zero ProjectsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal research-driven initiative supporting implementation of Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Found 800+ solutions from 120+ countries improving lives of persons with disabilities.
• World Heritage CatalysissupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports communities to protect natural and cultural heritage. Uses transformative potential of World Heritage through strategic visitor management, circular economics, and collaborative governance.
• IDAP (Integrated Development Africa Programmes)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal NGO in Kenya working around Lake Victoria providing children with clean drinking water at school, sanitation facilities, and education support for culturally integrated sustainability.
• COPERNICUS AlliancesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean network of universities and colleges committed to transformative learning and change for sustainable development. Shares resources and co-develops innovative education initiatives.
• weavesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal network of living learning labs tackling complex challenges. Re-conceptualizes learning, leadership, and placemaking using specific Weave method to activate people and organizations.
• Intuitive LeadersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps organizations use science-based intuition for future-proofing and navigating uncertainties. Aligns culture of trust with profitability through combining data and gut feel.
• One Sustainable Health for All FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished 2020 in Lyon, operates under Institut Pasteur since July 2024. Fosters dialogue and innovative projects for global sustainable health aligned with SDGs.
• Balanced ApproachsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner100% women-owned sustainability planning enterprise based on financial, social, and environmental well-being. Offers sustainability assessments supporting sound policy and decision-making.
• ReGenesis - Art Hub for SustainabilitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatform for art activism to facilitate communication and create synergies for societal and planetary needs. Believes citizens can impose lifestyle changes and deep societal changes.
• Youth and Students for Peace Balkan (YSP Balkan)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKosovo-based organization empowering youth aged 16-35 across Balkans using sports, arts, education, and literature as tools for peacebuilding and reconciliation.
• Feine ZukunftsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulture company in Weimar, Germany bringing culture and sustainability together. Offers workshops using creativity, reflection, and exchange to develop ideas for a 'good life'.
• International Delphic Academy (IDA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThink tank behind the Delphic Games, originally established in ancient Greece before the Olympic Games. Promotes art, culture, and education for peace-building. Founded 2017 in Berlin.
• UNESCO Chair on Anthropology of Traditional MusicsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChair at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens focusing on representing and redefining intangible cultural heritage. Develops artistic collaborations adapted to community needs.
• EVERDANTsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital platform empowering sustainable business by simplifying compliance with regulations and accreditation. Partners with councils for recognized sustainability certification.
• Re-Solve Retail SolutionssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic marketing and retail consultancy with 25+ years expertise. Transforms retail environments through innovative ESG-aligned solutions integrating people, place, and planet.
• Kind Heart Organization (KHO)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKenya organization focusing on healthcare, education, water and sanitation, food security, climate change mitigation, and community welfare in rural communities and urban slums.
• BNNRC (Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpert in policy advocacy reaching underserved communities since 2000s. Implements UN World Summit on Information Society action lines. Special consultative status with UN ECOSOC.
• Culture & Art Creators GuildsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal hub for cultural innovation, creative education, and social transformation. Unites art, science, and technology to empower youth and foster inclusive, ethical, sustainable change.
• INOMERsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission-driven global advisory firm empowering organizations to navigate complex challenges through innovation-led strategies, evidence-based policy, and sustainability-driven solutions.
• The Circle of Business Developers of Africa (CBDA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNGO fostering sustainable economic and social development across Africa. Empowers local businesses through bottom-up, culturally adapted solutions and strategic partnerships.
• Nozizwe Mother of Nations TrustsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities focusing on education, healthcare, food security, and psychosocial support. Founded by Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga.
• CLIMATE HUB FORUMsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal South-led sustainability platform based in Pakistan pioneering regenerative climate action. Works at intersection of climate justice, sustainable finance, policy reform, cultural resilience, and heritage preservation.
• Land for LifesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDialogue for change addressing land rights and access issues essential for self-sufficiency and overcoming world hunger. Partners with Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Liberia.
• AZ.IMUTsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerIndependent service company in Belgium specializing in audiovisual content production. Produces communication films leveraging visibility of individuals and companies working towards sustainable future.
• MiMIATsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes healthy and sustainable nutrition and empowers persons with digestive issues. Helps users track symptoms and lifestyle for digestive health and overall well-being with culturally sensitive approach.
• SDG AssessmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch-based mobile and web app supporting small businesses and companies with sustainability, ESG planning, implementation, and performance reporting.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Earth Day Network: Global movement coordinating citizens and institutions around environmental/sustainability action with massive signatory reach; comparable signature-based mobilization model and global advocacy scope.
• Earth5R: Project partner of the Jena Declaration; Earth5R is a global environmental organization with 6.3M citizens across 65 countries running community sustainability actions, sharing the bottom-up, citizen-led paradigm.
• Club of Rome: Founding partner of the Jena Declaration; the Club of Rome is an international non-profit of intellectuals and leaders addressing global sustainability challenges, with comparable intellectual and advocacy positioning.
• Earth Charter Initiative: Earth Charter Initiative is a global declaration/movement articulating shared values and principles for a sustainable future - the closest direct analogue to the Jena Declaration, with similar signature/endorsement mechanism and UNESCO linkages.
• Global Sustainability Network (GSN): Collaborative network of sustainability-focused organizations mobilizing collective action on SDGs; shares the partnership-orchestration model and global sustainability framing of the Jena Declaration.
• Catalyst Now: Project partner of the Jena Declaration; Catalyst Now is a global movement of 3,500+ organizations and 5,500+ individuals across 146 countries committed to transformational change for people and planet.
• World Academy of Art and Science: Founding partner of the Jena Declaration; WAAS is an international NGO of scientists and scholars addressing global challenges from a transnational, transdisciplinary perspective - direct peer in intellectual movement-building.

Broad incumbents

• UN Global Compact: UN-led initiative mobilizing companies and organizations around sustainability principles; broader in scope and institutional backing but operates in the same global sustainability-coordination space.
• World Future Council: International non-profit advocating for sustainable policy and awarding future-just policies; operates in the same sustainability-policy advocacy space as the Jena Declaration with broader institutional reach.
• UNESCO-MOST Programme: UNESCO's Management of Social Transformations programme is a related intergovernmental initiative on social sustainability and cultural research, sharing institutional parent and target audiences.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC1Z2iLmz3V5N6R6dW7KqJJA
• Facebookfacebook.com/thejenadeclaration
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thejenadeclaration
• Instagraminstagram.com/thejenadeclaration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Jena Declaration