Definition

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The concept of sustainable development goes back a long way, but the first definition did not really emerge until 1987 in a report titled Our Common Future , written by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development. Used as a framework for debate at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the Brundtland Report has since then inspired all of the initiatives to combat climate change and social inequalities.

The United Nations Global Compact is an initiative that encourages companies all over the world to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies around 10 principles in the area of human rights, the environment, and the fight against corruption.

The initiative brings together about 10,000 companies and other stakeholders in 162 countries, with two objectives: to mainstream the ten principles in business activities around the world and to catalyse actions in support of broader UN goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

Adopted in September 2015 by the 193 member-states of the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a roadmap to promoting sustainable development on a global scale from now till 2030.

The SDGs cover a broad range of development issues, including poverty, hunger, healthcare, education, climate change, gender equality, water, public health, energy, and environmental and social justice.

The 17 SDGs are so closely linked with one another that achieving one can help achieve others.

BRUNDTLAND REPORT, 1987

The United Nations Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

ODDO BHF AM 2020

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