Page 110 - Ai Book - 10

u The 1982 Nairobi Summit reviewed the progress in the decade since the Stockholm Conference and called
upon national governments to intensify efforts to protect the environment and stressed the need for
international cooperation.

u In 1983, the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development was created and in 1987, the
Commission issued the Brundtland Report. This report highlighted that equity, growth, and environmental
maintenance are simultaneously possible and that each country is capable of achieving its full economic
potential while at the same time enhancing its resource base. It emphasized three fundamental components
to sustainable development: environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity.
u In 1992, the Earth Summit in Rio brought the world’s governments to deliberate and negotiate an agenda
for environment and development in the twenty-first century. The Earth Summit unanimously adopted the
Agenda 21, a comprehensive blue print of actions toward sustainable development, including detailed work
plans, goals, responsibilities, and also estimates for funding.

u Other important accomplishments included the Rio Declaration, a statement of broad principles to guide
national conduct on environmental protection and development, and adoption of treaties on climate
change and biodiversity, and forest management principles.

u The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), or the ONG Earth Summit 2002, took place in
Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002. A number of leaders from business and non-governmental organizations
got together for the summit. It took place ten years after the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It was
therefore also informally nicknamed “Rio+10”. It was convened to discuss sustainable development by the
United Nations.

The 5 P’s of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is often characterised by 5 P’s: People, Planet, Peace, Partnership and Prosperity.
1. People: End poverty and hunger in all forms and ensure dignity and equity.
2. Planet: Protect our planet natural resources and climate for future generations.
3. Peace: Foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies.

4. Partnership: Implement the agenda though a solid global partnership.
5. Prosperity: Ensure prosperous and fulfilling lives in harmony with nature.

IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable development recognizes that growth must be both inclusive and environmentally sound to reduce
poverty and build shared prosperity for today’s population and to continue meet the needs of future generations.
It is efficient with resources and carefully planned to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits for people,
the planet, and prosperity. The three pillars of sustainable development–economic growth, environmental
stewardship, and social inclusion carry across all sectors of development, from cities facing rapid urbanization to
agriculture, infrastructure, energy development and use, water availability, and transportation.

104
104