Producing universal declaration on sustainability

Creating framework document on sustainable development
Adopting covenant on sustainability

Description

Producing a universal declaration on sustainability involves collaboratively formulating a globally recognized framework that sets clear principles, goals, and responsibilities for sustainable development. This strategy aims to unify diverse stakeholders—governments, organizations, and communities—around actionable commitments, fostering accountability and coordinated efforts. By establishing common standards and benchmarks, it addresses fragmented policies, guides practical implementation, and promotes shared solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges threatening long-term planetary well-being.

Context

Ensuring global sustainability requires the implementation of sustainable practices on an international scale. Preparing and adopting a universal declaration on sustainability can commit states to the principles of sustainability and sets out the measures required to implement them. It can also provide a framework for existing accords and for new initiatives.

Implementation

A proposal for a Universal Declaration and Convention on Sustainable Development was submitted to the UN by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987. The Global NGO Forum on Building Sustainable Societies: The Role of NGOs in Emergencies and Social Development (Addis Ababa, March 1994) produced the Addis Ababa Declaration called Building Sustainable Societies: The Role of NGOs.