NEW YORK – Negotiators from 193 countries have agreed on a draft blueprint for sustainable development that will last through 2030. The agreement will redefine how the global community works together to tackle poverty and improve living standards while protecting the environment.The plan, known as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, calls on countries and their citizens to respect and safeguard the planet, and recognizes that sound management of natural resources is the foundation of economic and social development.
"Today, the world took a big step forward on the path to living in harmony with nature," said Deon Nel, WWF International Acting Executive Director for Conservation. "We congratulate negotiators on their bold action. This is an essential move toward realizing our dream of shaping a world where people, planet and prosperity come together."
The draft document outlines 17 ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ranging on issues from poverty, gender equality and economic development to climate change and ocean resource protection.
The SDGs are universal goals that will commit all countries to take action both within their own borders and in support of wider international efforts. Individual national commitments must add up to a worldwide result that helps all people and ensures a healthy environment.
The new development plan represents significant improvement from the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as it recognizes the interlinkages between sustainability of ecosystem services, poverty eradication, economic development and human well-being.
"We are on the verge of changing the way we think about how our societies must develop. Finally we can join strategies to ensure that no one is left behind and that we protect the natural resource base that underpins our well-being," said Elaine Geyer-Allély, WWF's Head of Delegation at the negotiations.
Nearly 90 per cent of the economic output of people living in extreme poverty is derived from nature. The majority of the world's poor communities are engaged in agriculture, fisheries and livestock herding that rely on nature to produce food and income.
"Nature and the services it provides, such as fertile soil and clean water, are vitally important for our continued existence. The vision of this plan is based on the reality that social and economic development can only happen if we protect critical natural resources," said Nel.
Government leaders will meet in New York in September to formally agree the plan.
"It is critical that governments come to the Summit ready to commit fully to these global goals. When they do, WWF is eager to partner on this people-centered and planet-sensitive agenda. Only through committed action from all countries and their citizens can we safeguard wildlife, the ocean, freshwater and forests, while also addressing climate change and our ability to feed the planet," said Geyer-Allély.
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