What is sustainable development and why does it matter?

Sustainable development is a way of developing that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances the economic, social, and environmental aspects of development and considers the long-term impacts of human actions on the planet.

Sustainable development is a term that has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations in 2015. But what does it mean and why is it important? Here is a brief overview of the concept and its implications for the world.

What is sustainable development?

The most widely used definition of sustainable development comes from the 1987 report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the Brundtland Report. It states that sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Sustainable development is a broad and complex concept that encompasses many dimensions and disciplines. It is not a fixed or static state, but a dynamic and continuous process that strives to achieve the optimal and equitable use of the natural and human resources for the present and future generations. It is also a normative and ethical principle that guides the actions and decisions of individuals, communities, organizations, and governments.

This definition implies two key concepts within it: the concept of ‘needs’, especially the basic needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.

Objectives and Strategies

The objectives of sustainable development are to achieve a balance between the three pillars of development: economic, social, and environmental. These pillars are interdependent and mutually reinforcing and require an integrated and holistic approach that considers the trade-offs and synergies among them.

The strategies of sustainable development are based on the principles of participation, partnership, prevention, precaution, and polluter pay. These principles emphasize the involvement and empowerment of all stakeholders, the collaboration and coordination of all sectors and levels, the avoidance and reduction of the negative impacts of development, the application of the best available knowledge and precautionary measures, and the internalization of the environmental and social costs of development.

Significance and Importance of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is significant and important for several reasons:

• It addresses the global challenges that threaten the well-being and survival of humanity and the planet, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, conflict, and disease.
• It recognizes the interdependence and interconnection of all living beings and systems, and the need for a global partnership and cooperation to achieve common goals and shared values.
• It respects the diversity and plurality of cultures, perspectives, and values, and the need for a dialogue and mutual learning among them.
• It fosters the innovation and creativity of science, technology, and art, and the need for a critical and ethical reflection on their applications and implications.
• It promotes the human rights and dignity of all people, and the need for a democratic and accountable governance and justice.

Goals of sustainable development

The goals of sustainable development are articulated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The agenda consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets, which cover a wide range of issues and sectors, such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender, water, energy, climate, biodiversity, peace, and justice.

The SDGs are universal, indivisible, and integrated, and aim to leave no one behind. They are also accompanied by a set of indicators and a framework for monitoring and review.

The SDGs are a call for action by all countries and all stakeholders to work together to achieve a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all. They are also a vision for a better world, where human development and environmental protection go hand in hand, and where no one is left behind.