Sustainable development : global political commitment

Abstract

Since its inception in the 1970s, the concept of sustainable development has received a lot of public and political attention. This is reflected in a number of international action plans and strategies that promote greater harmonisation between economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. Various strategic frameworks have been adopted by the United Nations (UN) to promote national and international commitment towards sustainable development. This includes the adoption of the '9 principles for a Sustainable Society'(l990), the endorsement of the 'Millennium Development Goals' (MDGs) (2000), and the adoption of the 'New Global Goals' (2015). However, despite these holistic frameworks and the progress sustained in various areas, the world is still far from achieving economic, environmental, and social justice.