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3
"EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ANALYSIS OF INDIAN AND
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES"
BUSHRA1, DR. MEGHA GARG2
1PhD Scholar, School of legal studies, K R Mangalam University 2Assistant Professor, School of legal studies, K R Mangalam University, Sohna-Gurugram
Abstract
"Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." - Gro Harlem Brundtland. The Brundtland Report, which warned about the negative environmental consequences of economic growth and globalisation and tried to find potential remedies to the problems caused by increasing population and industrialization, introduced the concept of sustainable development in 1987. The purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals is to transform our world. The SDGs demand action against poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, as well as for health, justice, and prosperity for all. A conference on sustainable development was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2012, which led to the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals , a set of global goals to address the environmental, political, and economic challenges humanity faces. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals, each addressing a pressing issue around the world, and all of them are interconnected. In order to reduce inequalities and contribute to the prosperity of economies, they are a universal call to action to respond sustainably to climate change, improve the management of our fragile natural resources, promote peace and inclusion in societies, and reduce inequalities.
This paper talked about environmental sustainability, which is incorporated in the sustainable development goals, and explained the 2030 Agenda since it was formulated, which provides a model for shared prosperity in a sustainable world, where everyone can lead productive lives, live in peace, and live on a healthy planet. The paper focuses on fundamental ideas such as development, sustainability, and sustainable development. The topics discussed include the history of Sustainable Development Goals as well as its foundations and concepts, along with national and international perspectives on sustainable development goals.
Keywords: Sustainability, Stockholm declaration, SDG, Environment, 2030 Agenda.
INTRODUCTION
The Sustainable Development Goals are a worldwide call to action to ensure harmony and prosperity for all, to end poverty and save the planet. The concept of sustainable development describes the process of satisfying present needs while preserving future generations capacity to meet their own needs in the future.1 Although there are many ways to understand the idea of sustainable development, it is essentially a way to grow that aims to strike a balance between many, often incompatible needs and an awareness of social, economic, and environmental constraints. Although there are numerous methods to understand sustainable development, in essence, it refers to a form of growth that aims to achieve harmony between many frequently inconsistent necessities and knowledge of the economic, social, and environmental restraints society is affected by. And the Sustainable Development Goals embody a collaborative and practical approach to making conscious decisions today for the betterment of future generations, ensuring sustainable improvements in quality of life. These goals serve as comprehensive directives and benchmarks that every nation should embrace,
1 What are the Sustainable Development Goals? Available at: https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development goals
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based on their unique priorities and the global environmental challenges we collectively face.2 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has delineated 17 Global Goals or Sustainable Development Goals, encompassing a wide spectrum of social and economic development concerns.3 Sustainable Development presents an unprecedented chance for global communities to foster equitable economic growth, eradicate poverty, and mitigate the impacts of climate change by re-evaluating perspectives and approaches to development. It necessitates the active involvement of all individuals in striving towards sustainable development. India, along with the rest of the world, faces a formidable and extensive journey in addressing environmental issues and adapting to sustainable living within communities. Sustainable development encompasses more than just environmental concerns; it also entails meeting the diverse needs of present and future communities, promoting their well-being and ensuring equity in their interactions, considering the potential imbalances between nature and society that can jeopardize economic and social stability. The prevailing methods of economic development have had detrimental effects on the environment in which we reside, exacerbated by the growing population and our excessive consumption of natural resources, resulting in significant environmental strain. Consequently, there is an imperative for development that is inherently sustainable and devoid of adverse environmental impacts. Our approach to development affects everyone, as there exists a close interrelationship between poverty and environmental degradation, particularly among those whose livelihoods depend heavily on immediate natural resources. Therefore, a vital component of poverty eradication strategy involves restoring natural systems and implementing effective natural resource management practices at the grassroots level. The concept of sustainable development has gained traction and is expanding both nationally and internationally, aligning with economic and developmental needs. Given the global nature of environmental challenges, remedial measures must be implemented from a global perspective, as the issue transcends geographical boundaries.4 What is sustainable development?
The concept of sustainable development emerged in 1987 with the release of the Brundtland Report, which highlighted the adverse environmental impacts associated with economic growth and globalization. The report aimed to identify potential remedies for the challenges arising from industrialization and population expansion.5 The concept of sustainable development gained significant global recognition during the 1972. The term itself was not explicitly mentioned, the international community reached a consensus on the idea that development and the environment, previously treated as separate matters, could be effectively managed in a mutually advantageous manner, a fundamental principle of sustainable development. The concept of sustainable development emerged in 1987 with the release of the Brundtland Report, which highlighted the adverse environmental impacts associated with economic growth and globalization. The report aimed to identify potential remedies for the challenges arising from industrialization and population expansion.6
The Sustainable Development Goals.
The Sustainable development encompasses the principle of simultaneously achieving human development goals while preserving the capacity of natural systems to provide essential resources
2 Osborn, D., Cutter, A., & Ullah, F. (2015). Universal sustainable development goals. Understanding the transformational challenge for developed countries, 2(1), 1-25.
3 Pradhan, P., Costa, L., Rybski, D., Lucht, W., & Kropp, J. P. (2017). A Systematic Study of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Interactions. Earth's Future, 5(11), 1169-1179. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017EF000632
4 Pradhan, P., Costa, L., Rybski, D., Lucht, W., & Kropp, J. P. (2017). A Systematic Study of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Interactions. Earth's Future, 5(11), 1169-1179. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017EF000632
5 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Available at: http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf (Last visited on 30 May, 2023)
6 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Available at: http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf (Last visited on 30 May, 2023)
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and ecosystem services on which the economy and society rely.7 Although the concept of sustainable development has always been relevant, its significance deepens each day due to the continuous growth of the global population and the limited natural resources available to humanity. This recognition has sparked global concerns regarding the prudent utilization of available resources.8 The Sustainable Development Goals followed the Millennium Development Goals and were their successors. The MDGs represented a remarkable global mobilization to attain significant social priorities worldwide. Despite the relative effectiveness of the MDGs, not all targets of the eight goals were accomplished within the 15-year period of their implementation (2000-2015).9 Consequently, the introduction of the SDGs aimed to carry forward the development agenda. As part of this new development framework, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda (SDGs), which serve as a call to action for safeguarding the planet, eradicating poverty, and ensuring the well-being of individuals. Aims and Goals of Sustainable Development.
The Sustainable Development Goals , also known as the Global Goals, were established by the United Nations in 2015 to eradicate poverty, safeguard the environment, and guarantee universal peace and prosperity by 2030.10 Building upon the progress made with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),11 the SDGs encompass a wider range of goals, addressing social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The primary aim of the SDGs is to achieve worldwide sustainable development, promoting balanced economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. These goals are interconnected, recognizing that progress in one area is linked to others.12 Eradicating poverty requires addressing issues like inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Encompassing 17 specific goals with targets for 2030, they cover critical areas such as ending poverty and hunger, ensuring education and healthcare, achieving gender equality, promoting clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and conserving biodiversity. Fostering peaceful societies, responsible consumption, and global partnerships are also emphasized. Key aims of the SDGs are inclusivity and equitable progress. They recognize the need to reach vulnerable populations, addressing women, girls, indigenous communities, and marginalized groups. This involves reducing inequalities, promoting social cohesion, and providing equal access to resources. Promoting sustainability and resilience is another goal, emphasizing responsible practices across sectors like business, agriculture, and energy.13 The SDGs call for protection and restoration of ecosystems and climate change mitigation, necessitating renewable energy and resource efficiency. Global partnerships are crucial, with governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations cooperating for shared sustainable responsibility.14 This involves technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization. In conclusion, the Sustainable Development Goals focus on worldwide sustainable development by addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges. They aim for inclusivity, sustainability, and global collaboration, creating an equitable, sustainable world for present and future generations. Frequently, it's stated that the outcomes you obtain are closely tied
7 Osborn, D., Cutter, A., & Ullah, F. (2015). Universal sustainable development goals. Understanding the transformational challenge for developed countries, 2(1), 1-25.
8 Swain, R. B. (2018). A critical analysis of the sustainable development goals. Handbook of sustainability science and research, 341-355.
9 Sachs, J. D. (2012). From millennium development goals to sustainable development goals. The
lancet, 379(9832), 2206-2211.
10 Pradhan, P., Costa, L., Rybski, D., Lucht, W., & Kropp, J. P. (2017). A systematic study of sustainable development goal (SDG) interactions. Earth's Future, 5(11), 1169-1179.
11 The decleration, has been published by the United Nations Department of Public Information- DPI/2163-September 2000.
12 Venkat, Environmental Law and Policy, Prentice Hall India Learning Private Limited, 2011. [978-8120344365].
13 Morton, S., Pencheon, D., & Squires, N. (2017). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and their implementationA national global framework for health, development and equity needs a systems approach at every level. British Medical Bulletin, 124(1), 81-90. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldx031
14 Morton, Stephen & Pencheon, David & Squires, Neil. (2017). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and their implementation: A national global framework for health, development and equity needs a systems approach at every level. British medical bulletin. 124. 1-10. 10.1093/bmb/ldx031.
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to the metrics you track. In order to construct a future that is both enduring and appealing, it's essential to track the indicators aligned with our goals, which in this case is sustainable well-being. It's important to keep in mind that achieving a reasonable level of accuracy is more valuable than being exactly incorrect.15 Agenda 2030
In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was unanimously adopted by all United Nations member countries. This agenda consists of 17 goals with 16916 targets that encompass a wide range of interconnected and ambitious objectives.17 Many of the Goals include specific health targets, and all of them have indicators that measure progress. The 2030 Agenda, along with its set of Goals, offers a comprehensive perspective on sustainable development that encompasses the entire world, going beyond the focus solely on "developing" nations, as was the situation with the Millennium Development Goals.18 It supports principles like fairness and the acknowledgment of human rights, relying on sustainable funding, scientific exploration, innovation, and assessment as fundamental strategies. The Agenda necessitates a fresh approach to cooperation that engages various contributors and cross-sectoral initiatives, with the goal of enhancing health systems to realize Universal Health Coverage.19 The Agenda 2030 encompasses five overarching themes, known as the five Ps: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnerships.
These themes focus on the root factors of poverty and tackle a range of sectors including but not limited to hunger, healthcare, education, parity between genders, access to clean water and sanitation, energy, economic advancement, industrial development, innovation and infrastructure, disparities, liveable urban areas, responsible consumption and production, global warming, utilization of natural resources, as well as peace and justice.20 From the SDGs, it is evident that sustainable development aims to achieve social progress, environmental balance, and economic growth. Agenda 21 acknowledges the unsustainability of severe poverty in certain regions alongside a wasteful consumption-based standard of living in others, emphasizing the need for environmental management in both developing and industrial countries.21 With the growing prominence of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs on national and international political agendas, many countries have commenced the process of SDG implementation and the development of appropriate national frameworks. 22 International Perspective
The 1972 Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, stands as a significant milestone as the first global conference dedicated exclusively to addressing environmental issues.23 Attended by representatives from 113 states and 19 international organizations, this conference laid
15 Costanza, R., McGlade, J., Lovins, H., & Kubiszewski, I. (2014). An overarching goal for the UN sustainable development goals. Solutions, 5(4), 13-16.
16 Kumar, S., Kumar, N., & Vivekadhish, S. (2016). Millennium development goals (MDGS) to sustainable development goals (SDGS): Addressing unfinished agenda and strengthening sustainable development and partnership. Indian journal of community medicine: official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 41(1), 1.
17 Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda)
18 Nations United. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. New York, NY, USA: United Nations; 2015.
19 Cottafava, D., Ascione, G. S., Corazza, L., & Dhir, A. (2022). Sustainable development goals research in higher education institutions: An interdisciplinarity assessment through an entropy-based indicator. Journal of Business Research, 151, 138-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/jjbusres.2022.06.050
20 Sianes, A., Vega-Muñoz, A., Tirado-Valencia, P., & Ariza-Montes, A. (2022). Impact of the Sustainable Development Goals on the academic research agenda. A scientometric analysis. PLOS ONE, 17(3), e0265409. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265409
21 The 17 Goals. Available at: https://www.globalgoals.org/goals/ (Last visited on 19 May, 2023)
22 Robert KW, Parris TM, Leiserowitz AA. What is sustainable development? Goals, indicators, values, and practice. Environment. 2005;47(3):8-21.
23 Souradh C. Valson."Everything you need to know about the Stockholm Declaration". 2020 November ( Cited 2023 May 10).
https ://blog. ipleaders.in/everything-need-know-stockholm-declaration/
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the foundation for the influential 1987 Brundtland Report titled "Our Common Future."24 This report not only thrust environmental concerns to the forefront of the global agenda but also established a framework of principles and an actionable plan for the responsible management of the environment. Moreover, this conference led to the establishment of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).25 It played a pivotal role in catalysing subsequent international agreements focused on issues like ocean and ship pollution, and the trade of endangered species. Additionally, the conference adopted the "Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment," which included visionary principles like Principle 13, emphasizing the importance of integrating and coordinating development planning to ensure environmental protection.26 In 1987, the United Nations formed the Commission on Environment and Development, referred to as the Brundtland Commission, in honour of its leader, Gro Harlem Brundtland.27 The concept of sustainable development served as the bedrock for the 1992 United Nations Conference. This summit marked the world's first concerted effort to craft action plans and strategies towards achieving a more sustainable developmental model. Alongside representatives from various civil society organizations, world leaders recognized sustainable development as the imperative solution to the environmental degradation issues outlined in the 1987 report "Our Common Future" by the Brundtland Commission.28 The Brundtland Report's29 primary objective was to address the myriad concerns raised in preceding decades about the detrimental impacts of human activities on the planet. It underscored that unchecked patterns of growth and development would prove unsustainable.30 However, it was at the Rio Summit that prominent world leaders formally acknowledged sustainable development as the enduring challenge it continues to be. Subsequently, the World Summit on Sustainable Development unfolded in Johannesburg in 2002, with participation from 191 national governments, UN agencies, multilateral financial institutions, and other major groups.31 The summit sought to evaluate progress since Rio, culminating in a political declaration, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, and a range of partnership initiatives. Key commitments were made concerning sustainable consumption and production, water and sanitation, and energy.32 This approach to sustainable development emphasizes the necessity of preserving the resources themselves rather than merely addressing immediate environmental damage. And also underscored the necessity of transitioning from quantitative growth to qualitative development to attain sustainable development. It delineated several underlying conditions that could facilitate this transition, including broad citizen participation, an economic system capable of generating sustainable surpluses and technical knowledge, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, a production system conserving the ecological foundation, international economic and social systems fostering sustainable trade and finance, all within a flexible administrative framework. Nonetheless,
24 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Available at: http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf (Last visited on 30 May, 2023)
25 Günther Handl Eberhard Deutsch. "Declaration of the united nations conference on the human environment (stockholm declaration), 1972 and the rio declaration on environment and development, 1992".(Cited 2023 May 11)
(https://legal.un.org/avl/pdf/ha/dunche/dunche e.pdf? gl=1*zdxd3v* ga*MTc4NDg1NDUwNS4xNjY1NTc3M jg).
26 Boudes, P. (2014, September 15). United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/United-Nations-Conference-on-the-Human-Environment
27 Keeble, B. R. (1988). The Brundtland report:'Our common future'. Medicine and war, 4(1), 17-25.
28 Our Common Future, World Commission on Environment and Development. URL: http://www.un-documents.net/ocf-02.htm#I, (1987). [3 Mar. 2011]
29 Brundtland, Gro Harlem; World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987) Report of the World Commission on environment and development : "our common future. ", United Nations, New York OCLC: 23821069. (http://www.worldinbalance.net/pdf/1987-brundtland.pdf)
30 Carter, N., The Politics of the Environment, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001), pp. 207-237.
31 Conferences Environment and sustainable development (https://www.un.org/en/conferences/environment/johannesburg2002)
32 The World Summit on Sustainable Development Report by the Secretariat (Available at : https://apps.who.int/gb/archive/pdf_files/WHA55/ea557.pdf)
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the report acknowledged that even with these conditions in place, the journey towards a sustainable society would be challenging, necessitating significant changes to existing institutions and practices. Answering the call for action, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 44/22833 in December 1989, urging the convening of a conference focused on developing strategies and measures to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable and environmentally sound development worldwide. This culminated in the UN Conference on the Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the summer of 1992.34 The commitment of global leaders to sustainable development was unambiguously expressed in Agenda 21,35 the seminal document of the summit. Agenda 21 structured its activities around various environmental and development themes, encompassing facets such as quality of life, efficient utilization of natural resources, protection of the global commons, management of human settlements, and sustainable economic growth.36 The Stockholm Declaration consists of an initial section featuring seven opening statements and 26 principles,37 while the Rio Declaration incorporates a preamble and 27 principles. Although both declarations are diplomatic conference statements and lack formal binding force, they incorporate provisions that were already regarded as customary international law. The Rio Declaration reinforces and builds upon the Stockholm Declaration by underscoring the normative significance of shared concepts between the two instruments. Both declarations strongly emphasize the well-being of humans. 38 The Stockholm Declaration marked a significant milestone as the inaugural global conference on environmental issues under the United Nations. It recognized humans as both products of and contributors to their environment, which sustains them physically and offers opportunities for intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual growth. 39 The primary aim of the Stockholm Declaration was to bring attention to different nations and raise public awareness about environmental challenges impacting global economic progress and human well-being. It is essential for every country and individual to develop suitable management and planning strategies to safeguard our environment, which is currently heavily polluted due to our daily actions that harm the ecosystem. All citizens, regardless of nationality, must collectively strive to achieve a pollution-free environment. People need to understand their responsibilities towards the environment and act accordingly. The declaration emphasizes that humans are responsible for both creating and shaping the environment, and the current state of affairs is a consequence of our own actions. Each person has obligations to fulfil in order to protect the environment and ensure a better future for the Earth. The conference introduced 26 principles that highlighted the government's role in taking necessary measures to conserve nature, including the management of natural resources. By preserving natural resources today, we can secure their availability for future generations. The report acknowledges that developing nations, particularly those with impoverished conditions, face significant environmental challenges. The declaration sought to foster unity among nations, encouraging collaborative efforts to address environmental problems. Each nation was urged to contribute its own endeavours and utilize science and technology to develop innovative solutions for holistic problem-solving. The United
33 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly 44/228. UN Conference on Environment and Development. (Available at: http://www.un-documents.net/a44r226.htm)
34 Conferences | Environment and sustainable development.
( Available at: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/environment/rio1992)
35 United Nations Conference on Environment & Development Rio de Janerio, Brazil, 3 to 14 June 1992. ( Available at: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/Agenda21.
36 'About the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)', UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs: Division for Sustainable Development. http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/csd/csd_aboucsd.shtml. [3 Mar. 2011].
37 More Hemant. "Stockholm Declaration". 2019 April ( Cited 2020 May 18). https://thefactfactor.com/facts/law/civil_law/environmental_laws/stockholm-declaration/871/
38 Velders, G. J., Andersen, S. O., Daniel, J. S., Fahey, D. W., & McFarland, M. (2007). The importance of the Montreal Protocol in protecting climate. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(12), 48144819.
39 Shelton, D. (2008). Stockholm Declaration (1972) and Rio Declaration (1992). Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law.
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Nations Millennium Declaration of 200040, similarly exhibits an anthropocentric perspective regarding the respect for nature. Nevertheless, the emphasis of these two declarations differs from documents like the World Charter for Nature of 198241, which prioritize the conservation of all life forms based on their inherent value, irrespective of their usefulness to humans.
The Kyoto Protocol was officially adopted on December 11, 1997, and after a complex ratification process, it came into effect on February 16, 2005. At present, 192 parties have ratified the Kyoto Protocol.42 Essentially, the Kyoto Protocol operationalizes the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by requiring industrialized countries and transitioning economies to limit and decrease their emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in line with individual targets. The Convention itself only urges these countries to implement mitigation policies and measures and submit periodic reports.43
The Kyoto Protocol is constructed upon the principles and provisions of the Convention and follows a structure that includes different annexes. It specifically binds developed countries and places a greater responsibility on them based on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities," recognizing their major contribution to the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere.44 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embody a global commitment to addressing the world's most pressing challenges and forging a sustainable future for all. The Sustainable Development provide a comprehensive framework to tackle social, economic, and environmental issues in an integrated manner. From an international standpoint, the SDGs serve as a shared roadmap for countries to collaborate in achieving sustainable development.45 The SDGs champion international cooperation and partnerships to confront these challenges. They underscore the importance of collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to mobilize resources, exchange knowledge, and implement sustainable development initiatives. By promoting global cooperation, the SDGs encourage countries to learn from each other, share best practices, and support one another in realizing their development aspirations. From an International perspective, the SDGs also champion equity and inclusivity. They stress the significance of leaving no one behind and reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. This encompasses addressing the needs of developing nations, promoting gender equality, and ensuring access to fundamental services, resources, and opportunities for all. The SDGs acknowledge that realizing sustainable development requires a global commitment to reducing inequalities within and among countries. Moreover, the SDGs offer a universal framework applicable to all nations, regardless of their developmental stage. This marks a departure from the preceding Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which primarily focused on developing countries. The SDGs acknowledge that sustainable development is a shared responsibility, necessitating action from both developed and developing nations. National Perspective
The history of sustainable development in India can be traced back to the country's independence in 1947. India's leaders recognized the need to address social, economic, and environmental challenges
40 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly. (Available
at:https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/generalassembly/docs/globalcompact/A_RES _55_2.pdf)
41 Adopted by the General Assembly in its Resolution 37/7 of 10 October 1982.( Available at: http://www.un-documents.net/wcn. htm)
42 The Kyoto Protocol - Status of Ratification. ( Available at: https://unfccc.int/process/the-kyoto-protocol/status-of-ratification)
43 Campbell-Mohn, C. I. and Cheever, . Federico (2023, June 1). environmental law. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/environmental-law
44 Boehringer, Christoph. (2003). The Kyoto Protocol: A Review and Perspectives. Oxford Review of Economic Policy. 19.
45 Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals.
(Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/)
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while ensuring long-term development that would meet the needs of present and future generations. The adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950 was a major breakthrough, enshrining the principles of social and economic justice, equality, and environmental protection under its Preamble. Over time, various policies and programs, such as the Planning Commission,46 were introduced, aiming to achieve sustainable development. These marked significant steps in formulating and implementing development plans with a focus on economic growth, poverty alleviation, and social welfare. During the 1970s, environmental concerns gained prominence in India. The Chipko movement, a grassroots movement led by women in Uttarakhand to protect forests from deforestation, highlighted the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation. This movement paved the way for sustainable forestry practices.47 In 1980, the Government of India launched the National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development,48 recognizing the need to integrate environmental considerations into development planning. This policy emphasized sustainable resource management, pollution control, and environmental education. The Rio Earth Summit held in 199249 was a turning point for India's sustainable development efforts. It led to the adoption of the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21,50 and the establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This summit catalysed the development of policies and programs to address sustainable development challenges. The National Action Plan on Climate Change, launched in 2008, outlined strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation.51 In recent years, India aligned its development agenda with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. Integrating the SDGs into national policies and programs reflects India's commitment to achieving sustainable development across sectors, including poverty eradication, clean energy, education, gender equality, and sustainable cities. 52
A key milestone in India's SDG journey was the release of the National Indicator Framework (NIF) in 2017. The NIF serves as a roadmap for monitoring and measuring progress toward achieving the SDGs in the Indian context. It identifies specific indicators and targets for each goal, providing a framework for data collection and reporting.53 Despite progress, India faces challenges in achieving sustainable development, including rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and social inequalities. However, through ongoing efforts, collaborations with international partners, and active engagement of civil society and stakeholders, India strives to achieve its sustainable development goals and build a greener, more equitable future for its people. To effectively implement the SDGs,54 India established
46 Planning Commission, established on 15 March 1950, with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as the Chairman.
47 Kumar Ramesh "ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA: A CASE STUDY OF CHIPKO MOVEMENT" International Journal of Innovative Social Science & Humanities Research ( Available at: https://www.csirs.org.in/uploads/paper_pdf/environmental-movements-in-india-a-case-study-of-chipko-movement.pdf)
48 NATH KAMAL "NATIONAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY AND POLICY STATEMENT ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT" (Available at: https://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/introduction-csps.pdf)
49 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3-14 June 1992 ( Available at: https://www.un.org/en/confersnces/environment/rio1992#:~:text=A%20new%20blueprint%20for%20intemational,fpom%203%2 D 14%20June%201992.
50 'About the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)', UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs: Division for Sustainable Development. http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/csd/csd_aboucsd.shtml. [3 Mar. 2011].
51 Estimates Committee Report Summary Performance of National Action Plan on Climate Change ( Available at: https://prsindia.org/files/policy/policy_committee_reports/Estimates%20Committee%20Report%20Summary_v 1.pdf
52 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Available at: http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf (Last visited on 30 May, 2023)
53 SDGs National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2023.
(Available at: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/07/01/sdgs-national-indicator-framework-nif-progress-report-2023/)
54 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)
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the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)55 as the nodal agency responsible for coordinating and monitoring progress on the goals. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan56 (Clean India Mission) and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana57 (Prime Minister's LPG Scheme) contribute to specific SDG targets. Civil society organizations, academia, and businesses in India have also embraced the SDGs and actively contribute to their implementation through collaborative partnerships.58 In conclusion, the SDGs play a crucial role in guiding India's development agenda toward a sustainable future. India has fully embraced the SDGs, incorporating them into national plans and policies. By aligning with its own national priorities, India aims to address challenges like poverty, sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and clean energy while contributing to global sustainable development goals. Despite challenges, India remains committed to building a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable society while contributing to the global agenda of sustainable development.
CONCLUSION
The longer we pursue unsustainable development, the more frequent and severe its consequences are likely to become, which is why we need to take action now. In conclusion, sustainable development is a critical global agenda that is relevant both in the Indian and international contexts. India, with its large and diverse population, faces unique challenges in achieving sustainability while pursuing economic growth and addressing social inequalities. However, the country has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development through various initiatives, including climate change mitigation, poverty reduction, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. At the international level, cooperation and collaboration among nations are crucial for achieving sustainable development targets and creating a more equitable and environmentally sustainable world. In summation, the SDGs provide an international perspective on sustainable development by championing global cooperation, addressing interconnected challenges, and emphasizing equity and inclusivity. They offer a pathway for countries to collaborate towards a more sustainable and prosperous future, where economic growth, social well-being, and environmental preservation are mutually reinforcing. Through embracing the SDGs, countries can align their efforts and contribute to realizing a more sustainable world for present and future generations.
(Available at:
https://jankalyanfile.rajasthan.gov.in/Content/UploadFolder/DepartmentMaster/166/2023/Feb/30409/133243.pdf )
55 Established on January 1, 2015
56 Launched on 2nd October 2014
57 Launched on 1 may 2016.
58 Robert KW, Parris TM, Leiserowitz AA. What is sustainable development? Goals, indicators, values, and practice. Environment. 2005;47(3):8-21.
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