Sustainable development has become a key goal for countries today, as it is crucial for securing a place in the foreseeable future. The concept of sustainable development is rooted in core principles and objectives that numerous nations currently strive to achieve. In this report, we will briefly outline these principles and objectives, followed by an examination of the countries closest to achieving these goals, along with recommendations for other countries and the leading nation in this domain to further improve outcomes in pursuit of this noble aim.
Sustainable development can be defined as the process of developing land, cities, communities, as well as business, industry, and other sectors, in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. As defined in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, it is "the management of economic resources in a way that preserves or improves resources and the environment so that future generations can enjoy a better life."
Unlike other development concepts, sustainable development is based on aligning development with environmental priorities to reduce environmental degradation and climate change while preserving natural resources as much as possible, without limiting their capacity for renewal for future generations.
Principles and Goals for Sustainable Development:
- Careful Prioritization: Prioritization is based on a comprehensive analysis of the environmental situation and its impacts, including sources of pollution, environmental degradation, and climate changes. Institutions and countries are required to commit to sustainable development goals and utilize green or sustainable economic practices.
- Optimal Utilization of Financial Resources: Effectively managing financial resources is essential for sustainable development. Success in this area hinges on making the most of each financial unit, highlighting the importance of meticulous control over funds and their sustainable investment to promote sustainable development.
- Profit Opportunities for All Parties: Creating fair and sustainable profit opportunities for all stakeholders plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals. Fair profit-sharing promotes social balance and justice and fosters sustainable economic projects grounded in environmental and social principles.
- Market-Based Tools Where Possible: Market-based incentives to reduce environmental harm are generally preferable in principle and application. Market utilization is a crucial part of the sustainable development strategy, leveraging market forces for effective economic, social, and environmental development by managing market tools sustainably.
- Collaboration with the Private Sector: Countries must collaborate earnestly with the private sector as a critical component of the development process. Working with the private sector forms a core strategy for enhancing sustainable development, enabling partnerships between governments and private entities that support economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
- Improving Quality of Life for Citizens: Planning and implementing developmental policies to enhance citizens' quality of life involves focusing on qualitative aspects of growth, aiming to improve communities economically, socially, mentally, and spiritually across all segments of society.
- Decent Work and Sustainable Growth: Sustainable development aims to promote sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, while increasing public awareness of environmental issues and fostering community involvement in developing and executing solutions.
- Integrating Modern Technology with Community Goals: Sustainable development emphasizes using modern technology to advance societal development objectives. Raising awareness of various technologies' importance in development, sustainable development encourages the use of available and emerging technologies to improve community quality of life without posing risks or harm to the environment.
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): These goals encompass no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships to achieve the goals.
Model Leading Country in Sustainable Development:
There is no single leading country but rather a group of countries that have successfully aligned their economic systems with sustainable development, becoming exemplary models in this domain. Although these nations have some areas needing improvement, they possess distinct strengths, including prestigious academic standing, a stable system, an educated and active society, rule of law, and adherence to humanitarian principles.
Each country in this group is a leader in a particular field while also sharing commonalities in good governance, where the public is involved in making critical decisions after scientific studies evaluate their consequences. Additionally, these countries excel in Islamic economics, achieving objectives such as creating a true economy free from usury, price speculation, and short selling.
These countries are also notable for their high transparency levels and rule of law, positioning them to lead the modern future. Through scientific research, development, investment in human resources, and upholding freedom of expression without compromising religious symbols or diverse community identities, these nations ensure a prominent place in the modern world.
- Eliminating Toxic Partnerships: The primary recommendation for these countries is to end toxic partnerships that harm the transparency and reputation of their economic and political systems. Instead, they should form partnerships based on sustainable development principles, making concrete steps toward economic prosperity that benefit their societies and other nations.
- Establishing a Global Judicial System Based on Facts: Creating a fair and fact-based global judicial system ensures accountability for war criminals and human rights violators, representing a threat to humanity and harmony. This applies especially to entities committing atrocities, such as the ongoing brutality in Palestine.
- Avoiding Negative Impacts on Neighboring Societies: Leading countries should refrain from exerting harmful influence on neighboring societies if it poses risks to societal identity, political stability, or economic and social welfare.
The United Kingdom stands out as a prominent leader in sustainable development due to its adherence to the core principles of good governance, such as freedom of expression, citizen participation in critical decisions, and a stable policy-making approach grounded in scientific and strategic studies. Qatar and Turkey are also leaders in sustainable development due to their wise leadership and commitment to good governance, including an independent and fair judiciary, citizen participation in critical decisions, sustainable partnerships, and effective governance practices. These nations are also leaders in Islamic economics and are well-positioned to take on leadership roles in the foreseeable future.
