Principles for Just and Effective Systemic Risk Governance

This article argues that addressing the polycrisis requires stronger approaches to systemic risk governance. The authors propose that effective governance must move beyond sector-specific responses and be guided by shared principles capable of addressing complex, interconnected challenges. They present ten principles to guide the development of systemic risk assessment and response across multiple domains: universal responsibility, non-human sanctity and interdependence, justice, individual and collective agency, complexity, uncertainty, cross-scale thinking, multiple ways of knowing, compassion, and transformation. These principles provide a comprehensive framework for decision-making and action aimed at enhancing the safety, equity, and resilience of both human and ecological systems.