This presentation outlines the Brundtland Commission Report's pivotal role in defining sustainable development. It covers the report's context, highlighting global environmental and developmental challenges. Key concepts like sustainable development and interconnectedness are explored, leading to the report's findings on unsustainable practices and recommendations for change. The legacy of the report in shaping global policy-making and contemporary relevance are discussed. Through this presentation, we aim to underscore the urgency of adopting sustainable practices and the ongoing need for international cooperation in addressing pressing environmental issues.

1. Brundtland
Commission Report:
Journey to SDGs
Presented By
Anshdha Nandra

2. The Brundtland Commission, officially known as the World
Commission on Environment and Development, was
established by the United Nations in 1983 and chaired by Gro
Harlem Brundtland. It introduced the concept of sustainable
development, defined as "development that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs." The commission's 1987
report, "Our Common Future," highlighted the urgent need to
balance economic growth, environmental protection, and
social equity. This report laid the foundation for global
discussions on sustainability and played a crucial role in
shaping international policies and agreements related to
environmental and developmental issues.
INTRODUCTION

3. SETTING THE
STAGE
TOWARDS
SUSTAINABILIT
Y
In 1983, in response to growing
apprehension over issues like ozone
depletion, global warming, and other
environmental challenges associated with
improving the quality of life worldwide, the
United Nations General Assembly convened
the WCED (World Commission on
Environment and Development).
This international assembly comprised
environmental experts, politicians, and
public officials. Its mission, also known as
the Brundtland Commission, was to propose
lasting solutions for achieving sustainable
development, extending this into the 21st
century.
Additionally, the commission aimed to
discover ways to foster international
collaboration in addressing development
and resource utilization issues with
environmental concerns in mind. It also
sought to establish mechanisms for all
nations to address both their environmental
challenges and those on a global scale in
the long run.

4. The Brundtland Report contained sections
addressing various aspects of sustainable
development, including the international
economy, population, and human resources, food
security, species and ecosystems, energy,
industry, and proposed legal principles for
environmental protection.
Nevertheless, the Brundtland Report is primarily
renowned for its definition of sustainable
development as "development that satisfies the
current generation's needs without jeopardizing
the capacity of future generations to fulfill their
own needs."
Implicit in this description are the notions of
needs, emphasizing the aim of meeting the basic
requirements of the global underprivileged, and
the recognition that technology and societal
structure impose constraints on the
environment's capacity to cater to the present
and future needs of the world.
SUSTAINABILITY MODEL
BASED ON THE REPORT

5. THE IMPACT
The Brundtland Commission's report, "Our Common Future" (1987), holds immense significance in the global discourse on
sustainability. It introduced the concept of sustainable development, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth,
environmental protection, and social equity.
The report's definition of sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations'
abilities became a foundational principle. It triggered increased awareness of environmental issues, influencing
international policies and agreements. It inspired the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
reshaped the way governments, businesses, and organizations approach sustainable practices, making it a seminal
document in the quest for a more sustainable and equitable world.

6. Definition of Sustainable Development: It introduced the concept of sustainable development as development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Environmental Challenges: It addressed the urgent need to address pressing environmental issues, including
ozone depletion and global warming.
Economic Growth: The report explored how economic growth could be achieved without harming the environment.
Population and Human Resources: It examined the implications of population growth and the importance of human
resources in sustainable development.
Species and Ecosystems: It emphasized the importance of conserving biodiversity and protecting ecosystems.
Energy: The report looked at sustainable energy sources and energy conservation.
Industry: It discussed the role of industry in sustainable development and the need for responsible business
practices.
Legal Principles: The report proposed legal principles for environmental protection and international cooperation.
ELEMENTS OF THE REPORT

7. The Brundtland Commission introduced the concept of sustainable
development, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth,
environmental protection, and social equity.
Agenda 21 (1992): The United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED) produced Agenda 21, a comprehensive
plan of action for sustainable development, at the Earth Summit in
Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations established the MDGs, a set of
eight goals focusing on issues like poverty, education, and gender
equality.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) faced criticism and
were seen as limited for several reasons. They were criticized for
being overly focused on the developing world and neglecting the
responsibilities of developed nations. Additionally, they were
criticized for their narrow focus on specific issues such as poverty,
health, and education, without adequately addressing broader
sustainability and environmental concerns. The MDGs also lacked
a comprehensive strategy for implementation and lacked specific
targets for many critical areas. As a result, they were seen as
insufficient in addressing the complex, interconnected challenges
of global development and were succeeded by the more
comprehensive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.

8. The MDGs also lacked a comprehensive strategy for
implementation and lacked specific targets for many critical
areas. As a result, they were seen as insufficient in addressing the
complex, interconnected challenges of global development and
were succeeded by the more comprehensive Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the
United Nations in 2015, are a universal blueprint for addressing
global challenges. Comprising 17 goals and 169 targets, the SDGs
are a comprehensive framework for sustainable development.
They aim to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and combat
climate change while fostering economic prosperity,
environmental protection, and social well-being. The SDGs
recognize the interdependence of social, economic, and
environmental factors, promoting a holistic approach to ensure a
better future for both current and future generations through
international cooperation and action.

9. Introduction to SDGs
The Brundtland Commission's report, "Our Common
Future" (1987), holds immense significance in the global
discourse on sustainability. It introduced the concept of
sustainable development, emphasizing the need to
balance economic growth, environmental protection, and
social equity.
The report's definition of sustainable development as
meeting present needs without compromising future
generations' abilities became a foundational principle. It
triggered increased awareness of environmental issues,
influencing international policies and agreements.
It inspired the development of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) and reshaped the way
governments, businesses, and organizations approach
sustainable practices, making it a seminal document in
the quest for a more sustainable and equitable world.
progress over time.

10. The future of sustainability, driven by the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), holds promise. The SDGs
have catalyzed global awareness and action, inspiring
governments, businesses, and communities to
prioritize sustainable practices.
As they continue to guide policy and investment
decisions, we can expect increased renewable
energy adoption, enhanced environmental protection,
reduced poverty and inequality, and strengthened
global partnerships. Innovations in technology and a
growing focus on circular economies will play a
pivotal role in achieving these goals.
While challenges persist, the SDGs offer a
comprehensive roadmap for a more equitable and
sustainable future, where economic growth, social
progress, and environmental stewardship can coexist
harmoniously.
FOREWARD

11. Thank You