Sustainable Development

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. This concept, formalized in the 1987 Brundtland Report, emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection to achieve long-term sustainability.

The three interconnected pillars of sustainable development are:

• Economic: Promoting inclusive economic growth that creates jobs and improves living standards without depleting natural resources.
• Social: Ensuring equity, social justice, and the well-being of all people by providing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
• Environmental: Protecting ecosystems and conserving natural resources while addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global targets designed to address challenges such as poverty, hunger, inequality, and climate action, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Source(s):

• United Nations. (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future.
• United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals.

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