A Conceptual Framework For Sustainable Development

he World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), in its report "our Common Future" published in 1987, defines sustainable development as "meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs".

While sustainable development derives its meaning from the global discourse, its application must be rooted in the context of national realities and aspirations.  The Philippine Agenda 21's concept of development is grounded on both an image and a shared vision of the Filipino society.  It recognizes the key actors in sustainable development as the government, business and civil society and the functional differentiation of modern society into three realms--economy (where the key actor is business), polity (where the key actor is government) and culture (where the key actor is civil society).  The three realms are interacting, dynamic and complementary components of an integral whole.

Thus, the essence of sustainable development is in the harmonious integration of a sound and viable economy, responsible governance, social cohesion/harmony and ecological integrity to ensure that development is a life-enhancing process.  The ultimate aim of development is human development now and through future generations.