Supporting global sustainable development efforts
22 June, 2012
Australia is working with Indonesia to help local communities in Central Kalimantan improve their livelihoods and adopt practices which better protect the environment.
Photo: Josh Estey / AusAID.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined more than 100 world leaders in Brazil this week to discuss global progress in sustainable development—and the challenges that lay ahead—at Rio+20.
Twenty years ago nations made a united pledge to pursue ‘sustainable development’—an approach that integrates three critical and interconnected dimensions of development: economic growth, social progress and environmental protection. This guiding vision meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Ongoing biodiversity loss, climate change, current economic growth concerns and social upheaval all underline the ongoing importance of sustainable development approaches.
Rio+20 was an opportunity to take stock and recommit to worldwide action that promotes economic growth that is inclusive and fair, and that protects and maintains our natural resource heritage for generations to come.
Australia’s aid goals prioritise sustainable development: saving lives, promoting opportunity, sustainable economic development, effective governance, and humanitarian response. Our experience in integrating economic, social and environment outcomes into aid programs demonstrates that sustainable development approaches can have significant impacts and benefits, particularly for the world’s poorest communities.
Australia is a strong advocate for integrated, sustainable approaches to development. In May, the Australian Government and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs co-hosted the the Third High-Level Symposium on Development Cooperation.
The two-day Symposium bought together close to 100 international delegates to discuss the connection between development cooperation and sustainable development and how countries can work together toward a more sustainable future for all.
Sustainable development factsheets
Last Reviewed: 22 June, 2012