- Sustainable development is a ‘juggling act’ from an economic, social and environmental perspective, aimed at ensuring a fair and viable future.
- The term gained particular relevance with the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987.
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were approved by the UN in 2015.
What is sustainable development?
As the UN explains, sustainable development implies a society in which ‘everyone has access to decent work, healthcare and quality education’.
A concept that is exemplified as a ‘juggling act’ since ‘an economy, for example, can grow rapidly, but only for a time if most people remain poor and all natural resources are depleted’.
In essence, sustainable development is about the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future of generations to come, encompassing the economic, social and environmental dimensions that can help ensure a future that is not only equitable, but also directly viable.
What is the origin of sustainable development?
Although there are a number of precedents that take into account the concept of sustainable development, the Brundtland Report—officially known as ‘Our Common Future’—is the main driving force behind the need to consider sustainable development as a state policy.
The full report can be consulted on the United Nations website.
When was the Brundtland Report published?
In August 1987, this document was published, defining sustainability as that which allows ‘the needs of the present to be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.
Where does the name come from?
The name comes from Gro Harlem Brundtland (1939), former Prime Minister of Norway and chair of the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development between 1983 and 1987.
This commission was also known as the Brundtland Commission and was responsible for addressing the impact of economic development policies and proposing strategies aimed at achieving development that does not deplete future resources, as mentioned above.
The Brundtland Commission and its subsequent report of the same name laid the foundations for the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals), eight human development goals set in 2000 with a target date for achievement of 2015.
Since the MDGs are the precursors to the SDGs, it could be said that the latter are also partly based on the Brundtland Report. Let’s learn more about these goals, which are set to be achieved by 2030.
What are the SDGs?
As their name suggests, the Sustainable Development Goals (also known as SDGs) are closely related to sustainable development.
But what are the SDGs?
These 17 Goals were approved in 2015 by the General Assembly, one of the main bodies of the United Nations, and were created with the aim of building a sustainable future. They are interrelated and incorporate global challenges such as justice, climate, inequality, poverty and environmental degradation.
Telefónica and the SDGs
Telefónica’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda is part of the operator’s ESG strategy to build a greener future and help society by harnessing the power of digitalisation.
Since the SDGs were launched, the company has been analysing how it contributes to them.
With the aim of promoting global and accessible connectivity, Telefónica is particularly focused on SDG 9, with a focus on reducing the digital divide by promoting digital inclusion projects.
We could summarise the company’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda as building a greener future by leveraging digitalisation to curb climate change, helping to promote social and economic progress through digitalisation, and leading by example by maintaining strict levels of governance oversight to build trust.
