Developing principles of sustainability

The following principles have been articulated by the Sustainable Societies Initiative.

[Central Concepts]

interconnectedness and interdependence of all issues; recognition of the right to sustainable societies; implementation of universally recognized human rights; healthy ecosystems; gender equality.

[Social Sustainability]

inclusiveness, pluralism and participatory decision-making; justice (social and environmental), equity (inter-generational and intra-generational) and gender equality; decentralization of power and wealth, decision-making and economic relationships; cooperation, not competition, as the basis of economic, political and social relationships; international solidarity among NGOs and CBOs; education, including for girls and women; mechanisms for conflict resolution.

[Sustainable Economics]

redefinition of prosperity and the ways in which we measure it; identification, measurement and payments of 'real costs' – both social and environmental; access to adequate shelter and alleviation of poverty; access to credit and financing, including women and the poor.

[Sustainable Livelihoods]

redefinition of work, particularly in achieving sustainable livelihoods; sustainable production and consumption; socially responsible business practices; empowerment.

[Physical Sustainability]

recognition of ecological limits; emphasis on renewable resources; natural resource planning; development of affordable and sustainable energy and water systems; human-scale settlements; emphasis on renewable and recyclable materials; promotion of biodiversity.

[Sustainable culture]

preservation of local culture; promotion of cultural and social diversity; recognition of local knowledge systems; promotion of diversity.