Sustainable development is defined by Gro Harlem Brundtland in her report Our Common Future as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs”.
It incorporates three pillars that are interdependent and mutually reinforcing: environmental health, economic prosperity, and social wellbeing.
Environmental Protection
The environmental aspect of sustainable development involves protecting the planet’s ecosystems and natural resources. This includes biodiversity, climate change, water and air pollution, and other issues related to human impact on the environment.
Some scientists and ecological economists choose a “strong” definition of sustainability that prioritizes environmental protection over economic growth. They argue that the economy can’t flourish if it damages the planet.
This view influenced the 1972 Stockholm Conference and the 1992 Rio Declaration. Its principles include the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle. It also emphasizes intergenerational equity, a core concept of modern environmental law.
Businesses that integrate sustainable development principles into their operations create resilient strategies that benefit the economy and society. Examples of this include using cycling schemes to encourage employees to leave their cars at home, reducing the use of plastic in cafes and restaurants, and investing in alternative energy sources. The companies that succeed at sustainability also treat it as an iterative journey rather than a one-time project and create structures to support implementation and accountability.
Economic Growth
In the Millennium Development Goals era, sustained growth has been an effective means of reaching economic goals such as poverty reduction and improved access to education. However, in the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) era, this model will not be sufficient for achieving global sustainability.
During the seminar, Pingfan Hong, director of the UN DESA’s Development Policy and Analysis Division, explained that sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
To accomplish this, it includes both economic growth and protection of natural resources. This is why reducing waste, embracing green practices in business and advocating for policies are all parts of sustainable development. It also includes addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security and gender equality. This is a huge challenge, but it’s one that we can all contribute to.
Social Equity
Sustainability and social equity are two related concepts that often appear interchangeable. But a closer look at the meanings of these terms reveals distinct differences.
In a sustainable society, everyone has the opportunity to pursue their goals without sacrificing future generations’ ability to do the same. This idea of equal opportunity, often referred to as social justice or equity, is a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Sustainable development strategies can support both economic progress and environmental protection by focusing on the needs of people and nature at the same time. For example, investments in clean public transportation can reduce air pollution (including powerful short-lived climate pollutants) and boost human health while cutting emissions. These “win-win” strategies advance a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Implementation
Sustainable development is an approach to achieving economic growth while protecting the environment and guaranteeing access to resources for future generations. Gro Harlem Brundtland’s “Our Common Future” report in 1987 outlined the framework, which balances environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth.
Understanding sustainable development is critical for businesses today. It influences the way organizations navigate regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and long-term business resilience.
Local governments can also play a key role in advancing sustainability through partnerships and awareness-raising initiatives. This can include promoting green purchasing, reducing waste and energy use, and supporting regional healthcare systems that address hunger and malnutrition — as the medical brigades at Medical Brigades do.
Implementing the 2030 Agenda will require overcoming several challenges. The most important challenge is funding, identified by 64% of OECD-SDSN-CoR survey respondents. Other obstacles include shifting political priorities (as indicated by 52% of respondents) and lack of vertical coordination between subnational actors – highlighted by 44% of survey participants.