Sustainable development

Slovak term: Slovenský termín

1. Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ( UN 1987).

Explanation

Agenda 21, the blueprint for sustainable development in the 21st century, was agreed at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro 1992. It clearly identifies information, integration, and participation as key building blocks to help countries achieve development that recognises three interdependent pillars: economic development, social development, and environmental protection. It emphasises that in sustainable development everyone is a user and provider of information. It stresses the need to change from old sector-centred ways of doing business to new approaches that involve cross- sectoral co-ordination and the integration of environmental and social concerns into all development processes. Furthermore, Agenda 21 emphasises that broad public participation in decision making is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable development (UN 1987).

References

• United Nations (1987) Our Common Future - Report of the World Commission on Environmental and Development. Oxford University Press.

Links

• WHO — The Health and Environment Lexicon
• WHO (2009). Health impact assessment glossary: E-learning modules.