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Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing

by 3 Feb 2012

The UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability has presented its final report, Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing, presenting a vision for a sustainable planet, just society and growing economy. The report makes 56 recommendations to put sustainable development into practice and to mainstream it into economic policy as quickly as possible.

Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing

The report calls for the integration of social and environmental costs in global pricing and measurement of economic activities. It also calls for a set of sustainable development indicators that go beyond the traditional approach of Gross Domestic Product and recommends that Governments develop and apply a set of Sustainable Development Goals that can mobilize global action and help monitor progress.

The report also underscores the importance of science as an essential guide for decision-making on sustainability issues. It calls on the Secretary-General to lead efforts to produce a regular Global Sustainable Development Outlook report that integrates knowledge across sectors and institutions, and to consider creating a Science Advisory Board or Scientific Advisor.

Formulating a new blueprint for sustainable development

The 22-member panel was established by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in August 2010 to formulate a new blueprint for sustainable development and low-carbon prosperity. Co-chaired by Finnish President Tarja Halonen and South African President Jacob Zuma, the panel presented its report to the Secretary-General on 30 January 2012 in Addis Ababa. The panel included current and former heads of states, ministers, and representatives of the private sector and civil society.

The Secretary-General, in receiving the report, stated that sustainable development is a top priority for his second term of office.

“We need to chart a new, more sustainable course for the future, one that strengthens equality and economic growth while protecting our planet. [..] I call on all sectors of society to join in this effort.”

The report’s recommendations will contribute to preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil in June 2012.

Priorities for the world community

The report opens with an acknowledgement that the world is experiencing unprecedented prosperity while the planet is under unprecedented stress. A the world faces overlapping challenges it is more urgent than ever that action is taken to embrace the principles of the sustainable development agenda:

“It is time that genuine global action is taken to enable people, markets and governments to make sustainable choices.”

Panel co-chair President Zuma explained that sustainable development is more important than ever in difficult times:

“With the possibility of the world slipping further into recession, policymakers are hungry for ideas that can help them to navigate these difficult times. Our report makes clear that sustainable development is more important than ever given the multiple crises now enveloping the world.”

Co-chair President Halonen stressed the importance of placing people at the centre of achieving sustainable development:

“Eradication of poverty and improving equity must remain priorities for the world community. The Panel has concluded that empowering women and ensuring a greater role for them in the economy is critical for sustainable development.”

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