Documentation

Outline for Discussion

Prof. Victor L. Urquidi
El Colegio de Mexico 
Mexico, D.F. 

Sustainable development -- an updated definition

• Growth per se is not development (As Maréchal Bosquet said on witnessing the Charge of the Light Brigade, “C'ést magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre **le développement**).

• Sustainable development must encompass all activity: economic, social, political, cultural, environmental, informational and technological.

• Sustainable development must arise from the combined desire for equity, social welfare and economic well-being.

• Sustainable and equitable development (SEqD) replaces “development” conceived, as in the past, as a purely production- (and profit-) oriented strategy with some concessions to social development.

• Environmental policy must be fully incorporated into the other components of SEqD, not only as a matter of principle but because environmental deterioration is a reality that has been taking place in all societies at a rapid pace. (World/global development must consequently be sustainable and equitable, GSEqD).

• Environmental policy must refer as much to the issues of waste generation as to those of the protection of nature. Turtles, whales, monarch butterflies and many other species must be saved, as well as their habitats, but the human species must also be saved through health protection via environmental policy.

• Environmental policy must be linked more clearly to ecoefficient use of natural resources and to "clean technology". In particular, the urban environment and habitat will have to become as much a priority as reforestation, soil improvement and the protection of water resources. Net investment and productivity must be positive to ensure a process of GSEqD into the future. Environmental accounts must supplement national accounts to allow for proper evaluation of SEqD.

• The ultimate aim is to achieve consumer welfare defined not only as goods an services available to families and individuals, but also as social protection and improvement, freedom of choice, cultural enhancement (diversity, perspective and identity), educational and training opportunity, access to technological innovation, and access to information.

• Global interaction (globalization) is inevitable but must also become equitable. More effective international, interregional and intraregional cooperation will be required.

• SEqD must become a political priority and should be a key component of the processes of democratization, with due participation of civil society.

• The media and internet must play a more coherent role in the promotion of environmental policy and SEqD.

RIO + 10 (Brundtland + 15) are around the corner. Efforts since RIO have slowed down

Review of main achievements in the highly industrialized nations (HIN).
Limited achievements in semi-industrialized nations (SIN) and even less in the less and least developed nations (LDN).
The effects of backtracking and delays.

How can SINs and LDNs create conditions that may lead to SEqD

Political and public awareness.
Comprehensive programs.
Use of economic and social incentives.
Role of education and training.
Financial support.
Civil society and NGO participation.
Specific role of business organizations and enterprises.

The role of international cooperation

The UN System --its weaknesses and lack of coordination.
Other international cooperation agencies.
International NGOs.
TNCs and regional and local business organizations.
Bilateral cooperation.
Interregional and intraregional cooperation

The future of trade in resources

Energy, minerals, fisheries
Atmosphere and oceans
Water
Soils and forestry
Global warming
Biodiversity

The future of manufacturing trade in relation to SEqD

Trade must conform to SEqD standards and requirements
Rewards for good SEqD behavior

The future of "trading" in services in relation to SEqD

Transportation of goods and human travel (including tourism)
Communications, internet and new developments

A few decades ahead

Population growth and its geographical distribution
Changes in demographic structure
International migration flows
Ability to organize SEqD
How to evalue the SEqD process
How to correct heavy risks and anomalies
The role of the UN System, and its links to the productive systems and to civil societies