This paper provides the basic knowledge about Sustainable Development

1. WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?
In general, "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
According to Wikipedia, Sustainable development is a process for meeting human development goals
while sustaining the ability of natural systems to continue to provide the natural resources and
ecosystem services upon which the economy and society depends. While the modern concept of
sustainable development is derived most strongly from the 1987 Brundtland Report, it is rooted in
earlier ideas about sustainable forest management and twentieth century environmental concerns. As
the concept developed, it has shifted to focus more on economic development, social development and
environmental protection.
WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?
Development is not to be perceived as a permanent state or a static image, but rather as a continuing
process that implies the integration of the three essential and inseparable aspects of development:
The Environmental, Economic and Social dimension.
 Environmental Sustainability-Environmental Sustainability can be defined as the capacity to
preserve over time the three basic functions of the environment: the resource supply function,
the waste receiver function and that of direct usefulness. In other words, within a territory (area
/ region), environmental sustainability means the capacity to increase and bring up the value of
the environment and its peculiarities, while assuring the protection and the renewal of natural
resources and the environmental patrimony.
 Economic Sustainability – Economic Sustainability can be defined as the capacity of an
economic system to generate a constant and improving growth of its economic indicators. In

2. particular, the capacity to generate incomes and employment in order to sustain the
populations. Within a territorial system, economic sustainability means the capability, through
the most efficient mix of resources, to produce and maintain the highest added value, in order
enhance the specificity of territorial products and services.
 Social Sustainability –Social Sustainability can be defined as the ability to guarantee welfare
(security, health, education), equitably distributed among social classes and gender. Within a
territory, Social Sustainability means the capacity of the different social actors (stakeholders), to
interact efficiently, to aim towards the same goals, encouraged by the close interaction of the
Institutions, at all levels.
WHAT ARE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to
action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas
such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice,
among other priorities. The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve
tackling issues more commonly associated with another. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved
over the next 15 years.
The SDGs are a bold commitment to finish what is started, and tackle some of the more pressing
challenges facing the world today. All 17 Goals interconnect, meaning success in one affects success for

3. others. Dealing with the threat of climate change impacts how to manage worlds fragile natural
resources, achieving gender equality or better health helps eradicate poverty, and fostering peace and
inclusive societies will reduce inequalities and help economies prosper. In short, this is the greatest
chance to improve life for future generations.