As global citizens, we must set an ambitious agenda for sustainable development. The UN and other international bodies play a pivotal role in setting this agenda, encouraging multilateral action, and monitoring progress.
But the responsibility for meeting ambitious sustainability targets rests with governments at all levels, who must create the conditions, laws and regulations necessary to foster awareness and compliance with sustainable development initiatives.
Economic Development
Sustainable development is built upon the idea that economic growth should not negatively impact on social, cultural and environmental aspects of life. Therefore, sustainable practices focus on amassing natural and financial capital sustainably while environmental models stress ecological conservation while social models target improving political, religious, health care and education systems in order to enhance people’s dignity and wellbeing (Hak et al. Citation2017).
Mensah and Enu-Kwesi (2018) argue that these dimensions should be approached dynamically and with balance in order to be truly sustainable development processes. According to them, this would ensure workers received fair remuneration along supply chains as well as protecting the environment through economic activities rather than polluting it or degrading it through pollution or destruction of ecosystems; furthermore sustainable development aims at improving human living conditions while simultaneously alleviating poverty.
Environmental Protection
Sustainable development seeks to preserve both the environment and natural resources, including biodiversity. It involves making sure human activities do not damage these elements of nature and that any natural resources used are done so without polluting our atmosphere or polluting its resources.
Environmental sustainability also involves advocating for policies, legislation and regulations that promote environmental protection, such as encouraging businesses and workplaces to green themselves; preventing harmful substance releases; providing education on sustainability practices and providing education/training on sustainable practices.
UN and government have an important role to play here, with global warming endangering the planet, melting polar ice caps, sea levels rising and catastrophic weather events increasing in frequency and intensity, necessitating changes to consumption and production patterns worldwide. Such adjustments must ensure people can enjoy life on an ecologically sound planet.
Social Development
Social development involves the promotion of patterns of behavior that contribute to survival, wellbeing and success in life. Such activities include education; finding employment; building relationships; participating in civic society activities; as well as eliminating or curbing negative ones that threaten health or well-being.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the interdependent nature of economic, environmental, and social wellbeing for humans. Furthermore, these goals emphasise that resources must only be exploited within their carrying capacities to avoid using up too many natural resources that cannot be sustained over time.
Sometimes our field requires fresh ideas or innovative thinking, and a Quartet is an ideal outlet for this type of research. A quartet consists of four manuscripts on a common theme or aim; each manuscript should address one of the SDGs; anyone interested should refer to our submission guidelines for more details.
Education
Education is at the core of sustainable development. It provides individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, understanding, values and actions needed to create an equitable world that ensures environmental protection and conservation, encourages social equity and facilitates economic sustainability.
Educators must recognize the interrelations among economic, social, and environmental issues so as to develop courses which address them all in an equal and balanced manner. This approach is known as education for sustainable development (ESD).
The UNESCO Global Framework for ESD was adopted at the 40th session of UNESCO General Conference and accepted by UN General Assembly at its 74th session in 2021, calling for quality education including ESD to advance 17 of 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Are You an Educator Looking to Integrate Sustainability Into Their Curricula? Check Out HEA/QAA Guidance on Education for Sustainable Development which is free to download (members only). Additionally, explore our blog posts or resource packs on Teaching and Learning Sustainable Futures!