Minimising conflicts that hinder sustainable development in the 21st century : a study of the role of the public administration

Abstract

National public administrations face complex and complicated challenges which will affect future decision-making processes. These challenges are demanding on the government’s role and leadership capabilities to implement effective policies related to sustainable development. With greater government scrutiny and citizen awareness the core responsibility is good governance. This research examines the ability of government representatives and chairpersons of local institutions in minimising conflicts that hinder sustainable development. Their continued discussions debate topics related to environmental protection, economic development and social justice, the three main sustainable development pillars. The involved respondents gave hindsight of the existing situation involved, when various interests and conflicting priorities meet to take decisions. This feedback, together with the complex scholarly opinions and definitions of sustainable development and along with a review of credible reports on the progress made by Malta, assist to fulfil the research scope. The progress reported may be translated into good decisions being administered. If the separate economic, social and environmental indicators show progressing results simultaneously, it can be deduced that minimising conflicts which hinder sustainable development automatically translates into socio-economic-environmental equity. Evidently more is needed to face future challenges to maintain continuous longer-term sustainability and well-being. This effectively is the role of future administrations, which entails the capacity to tackle unpredictable global and national challenges to maintain sustainable development goals. Continuous future scrutiny and review of implemented national policies can verify whether the public administration is effectively minimising the hindering conflicts or achieving consensus.