Economic development, social development and environmental protection are interdependent
and
mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development. Sustained economic growth is
essential to the economic and social development of all countries, in particular developing
countries. Through such growth, which should be broadly based so as to benefit all people,
countries will be able to improve the standards of living of their people through the eradication of
poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy and the provision of adequate shelter and secure
employment for all, and the preservation of the integrity of the environment. Growth can foster
development only if its benefits are fully shared. It must therefore also be guided by equity, justice
and social and environmental considerations. Development, in turn, must involve measures that
improve the human condition and the quality of life itself. Democracy, respect for all human rights
and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development, transparent and accountable
governance in all sectors of society, as well as effective participation by civil society, are also
an
essential part of the necessary foundations for the realization of social and people- centered
sustainable development.
Sustainable development strategies are important mechanisms for enhancing and linking
national
capacity so as to bring together priorities in social, economic and environmental policies. Hence,
special attention must be given to the fulfillment of commitments in the areas set out below, in the
framework of an integrated approach towards development, consisting of mutually reinforcing
measures to sustain economic growth, as well as to promote social development and
environmental protection. Achieving sustainable development cannot be done without greater
integration at all policy- making levels and at operational levels, including the lowest administrative
levels possible. Economic sectors, such as industry, agriculture, energy, transport and tourism,
must take responsibility for the impact of their activities on human well-being and the physical
environment. In the context of good governance, properly constructed strategies can enhance
prospects for economic growth and employment and at the same time protect the environment. All
sectors of society should be involved in their development and implementation, as follows:
(a) By the year
2002, the formulation and elaboration of national strategies for sustainable
development which reflect the contributions and responsibilities of all interested parties
should be completed in all countries, with assistance provided, as appropriate, through
international cooperation, taking into account the special needs of the least developed
countries. The efforts of developing countries in effectively implementing national strategies
should be supported. Countries which already have national strategies should continue their
efforts to enhance and effectively implement them. Assessment of progress achieved and
exchange of experience among Governments should be promoted. Local Agenda 21 and
other local sustainable development programmes, including youth activities, should also be
actively encouraged;
(b) In integrating
economic, social and environmental objectives, it is important that a broad
package of policy instruments, including regulation, economic instruments, internalization of
environmental costs in market prices, environmental and social impact analysis and
information, be worked out in the light of country-specific conditions to ensure that
integrated approaches are effective and cost-efficient. To this end, a transparent and
participatory process should be promoted. This will require the involvement of national
legislative assemblies, as well as all actors of civil society, including youth and indigenous
people and their communities, to complement the efforts of Governments for sustainable
development. In particular, the empowerment and the full and equal participation of women
in all spheres of society, including participation in the decision-making process, is central to
all efforts to achieve such development;
(c) The implementation
of policies aiming at sustainable development, including those
contained in Chapter 3 (Combating poverty) and in Chapter 29 (Strengthening the role of
workers and their trade unions) of Agenda 21, may enhance the opportunities for job
creation, thus helping to achieve the fundamental goal of eradicating poverty.
