Week 1 - Introduction to Sustainable Development

8 March 2023

In the first week of class, Prof Suhaimi gave a briefing on the assignment that we are going to do throughout this semester. Then, Dr called each one of us for attendance one by one until the end of the class. Thus, we need to be alert every time our name is called during the class and this is also considered a Taaruf session for us to know each member in the class. I am really excited when joining this class as I want to know more about sustainability that gives an impact in our life.The first topic is Introduction to Sustainable Development. Before that, Dr showed us the map of IIUM, as we can see right now our university area has been not sustainable because of the development with buildings such as hostels and premises. Also, the river water is supposed to be blue but now it turns to be yellowish or brownish, which is not good for our environment. At the end of the class, Dr asks us to complete these questions to do in our reflective journal. 

What is sustainable development and the concept of sustainability?

There are many definitions that describe sustainable development. For me, sustainable development is the kind of development that not just satisfies the needs of today’s generation but also improves the capability of future generations to ensure that they fulfil their needs. Further, it assures the balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being, to attain long-term sustainability.There are 3 basic concepts of sustainability. First, living with certain limits means not using the resources more than what you require. For example, when we want to catch the fish, we don't catch all the fish. We can still fulfil the needs of the current society but not put aside the needs that our future generations need. When you cut trees, always replant the trees. This is to ensure we can still serve the needs of our next generations. Second, understanding the interconnections among economy, society and environment means that these three components are connected. For instance, anything that you did in the economy will also have an effect on society and the environment. Third, maintain a fair distribution of resources and opportunities for this generation and the next. This is because we are not the only generation that is going to live in this world, the next generation have the rights to get the same needs as we are now. 

How can we differentiate between economic development, social sustainability and environmental conservation? 

Social sustainability: It is the process for creating sustainable, successful places that promote well-being by understanding the needs of people from the places they live and work. Social sustainability is a combination of formal and informal processes that involve infrastructure to support the cultural and social life of the people. It promotes the health and well-being of the people by giving them equal opportunities and access to the resources to support their families socially and economically. 

Economic sustainability: It refers to the practices that support long-term economic growth without negatively impacting the social, environmental, and cultural aspects of the community. Economic sustainability is all about giving people what they want without compromising the quality of life, especially in the developing world.

Environmental sustainability:It is the process of meeting the needs of air, food, water, and shelter as well as ensuring that the environment is neither affected nor polluted. With the economic sustainability ecological system is maintained and all the environmental terms are kept in balance. Natural resources are consumed by humans, taking care that they are preserved for future generations.

What is the evolution of sustainable development from unsustainable development to millennium development to 17 sustainable development goals? 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets are broader in scope and go further than the MDGs by addressing the root causes of poverty and the universal need for development that works for all people.The SDGs build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which embodies specific targets and milestones in eliminating extreme poverty and the worst forms of human deprivation. The SDGs expanded its scope to 17 goals from the eight (8) goals in the MDGs, which covers universal goals on fighting inequalities, increasing economic growth, providing decent jobs, sustainable cities and human settlements, industrialization, tackling ecosystems, oceans, climate change, sustainable consumption and production as well as building peace and strengthening justice and institutions. Unlike the MDGs, which only targets the developing countries, the SDGs apply to all countries whether rich, middle or poor countries. The SDGs are also nationally-owned and country-led, wherein each country is given the freedom to establish a national framework in achieving the SDGs.The difference between the MDGs and SDGs is both the MDGs and SDGs focus on People, Dignity, Planet, and Partnership, however the SDGs also focus on Justice and Prosperity.

What are the fundamental principles of Sustainable development, the 5P - People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace & Partnership.

People - Determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. As we remember from the United Nations dictum, the 2030 agenda is to leave no one behind. 

Planet- Determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations. 

Prosperity - Determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.SDGs are not intended to disregard the importance of economic development. In order for the world to live with peace and prosperity, the economic development that can attain prosperity is the requisite condition for all people.  At the same time the environmental complications and destruction that can arise from energy utilization must become an important priority for us to manage and resolve to reach sustainable solutions.

Peace- Determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. Conflicts, terrorism and other forms of difficulties were threatening the peace around the world. In addition, weak institutions can become the targets of those who threaten peace around the world. 

Partnership - As we have seen in goal eight of the MDGs, partnership constitutes an important factor in all the 17 goals. Although the SDGs were agreed upon by the member states within the United Nations, achieving the SDGs involve all entities in the international community.

We also discuss regarding equality versus equity.Equality is sameness while Equity is fairness.Equality is giving everyone the same pair of shoes. Giving everyone the same thing. It only works if everyone starts from the same place. Equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fits.Access to the same opportunities.We must first ensure equity before we can enjoy. 

In conclusion, an individual can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals in various ways such as by wasting less food, helping people around you, not wasting water, creating new job opportunities for the people, avoiding products that are harmful to the environment, recycling, and buying energy-efficient appliances.