The concept of Sustainable Development traces its roots back to

environmental and social movements of the 1960s and 1970s, as concerns

grew about the long-term impacts of industrialization, environmental
degradation, and resource depletion. The term gained global prominence in
1987, when the Brundtland Report, formally known as "Our Common
Future," was published by the World Commission on Environment and
Development. The report defined sustainable development as development
that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs."
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED) in 1992, also known as the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro,
solidified sustainable development as a key global goal. The summit resulted
in important agreements such as Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration,
promoting integrated approaches to economic growth, environmental
protection, and social equity.
The framework has since evolved with the adoption of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, and later, the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, expanding its focus to 17
interconnected global goals to be achieved by 2030.
The Earth Summit (United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, UNCED) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 3 to
14, 1992. This landmark event gathered representatives from 178 countries,
including heads of state, government officials, scientists, and environmental
advocates, making it one of the largest global conferences ever organized.
The summit aimed to address the pressing environmental and
developmental challenges that the world was facing at the time.
Key outcomes of the Earth Summit included:
1. Agenda 21: A comprehensive action plan to promote sustainable
development globally, encompassing social, economic, and
environmental dimensions. It provided a blueprint for countries to
implement sustainable practices and policies.
2. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development: A set of 27
principles defining the rights and responsibilities of nations concerning
sustainable development, emphasizing environmental protection,
poverty eradication, and global cooperation.
3. Forest Principles: Non-legally binding guidelines to manage the
world’s forests sustainably, focusing on conservation and equitable use
of resources.
4. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Two major
treaties aimed at biodiversity protection and addressing climate
change, respectively.
The Earth Summit marked a turning point in global environmental
governance and laid the foundation for future sustainability initiatives like
the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of eight global
development targets established in the year 2000 by the United Nations to
address the most pressing challenges facing the world, particularly in
developing countries. The MDGs were set with a deadline of 2015, aiming to
improve living conditions, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable
development. They represented a significant international commitment to
improve the well-being of people across the globe.
The eight Millennium Development Goals were:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger: Reduce by half the
proportion of people living on less than $1 a day and those suffering
from hunger.
2. Achieve universal primary education: Ensure that all children,
regardless of gender, can complete a full course of primary schooling.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women: Eliminate gender
disparities in education and increase women’s participation in decision-
making processes.
4. Reduce child mortality: Reduce by two-thirds the under-five
mortality rate.
5. Improve maternal health: Reduce maternal mortality by three-
quarters and provide access to reproductive health services.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases: Halt and begin to
reverse the spread of these diseases.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability: Integrate sustainable
development into policies, reduce biodiversity loss, and improve
access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
8. Develop a global partnership for development: Focus on aid,
trade, debt relief, and access to affordable essential medicines and
technology for developing countries.
The MDGs led to significant progress in many areas, including poverty
reduction, access to education, and health improvements, though challenges
remained, especially in reaching the most vulnerable populations. They
paved the way for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which
were adopted in 2015 as a broader, more comprehensive global agenda for
development.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015 as
part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by all United
Nations Member States. These 17 goals replaced the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), expanding the focus from a narrower set of
targets to a more comprehensive framework addressing global challenges
related to poverty, inequality, the environment, and peace.
Here are the 17 SDGs of 2015:
1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2. Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition,
and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-
being for all at all ages.
 4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education
and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women
and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable
management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable,
sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive,
and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment,
and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient
infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and
foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequality: Reduce inequality within and among
countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human
settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure
sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change
and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans,
seas, and marine resources.
15. Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of
terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat
desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity
loss.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful
and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to
justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive
institutions.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of
implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable
development.
These goals, adopted in September 2015, are universal, addressing
interconnected global issues by balancing the three dimensions of
sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental. They
aim to end poverty and hunger, reduce inequalities, promote good
governance, and protect the planet, with a target for achieving these
objectives by 2030.
WAYS OF ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1. Embrace Renewable Energy
The shift towards embracing renewable energy sources—such as solar,
wind, and hydroelectric power—holds tremendous promise in steering away
from traditional reliance on fossil fuels. This transition is vital in combating
climate change by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 Solar power harnesses energy from the sun, utilizing photovoltaic cells
to convert sunlight into electricity.
 Wind power taps into the natural force of wind, generating electricity
through turbines.
 Hydroelectric power captures the energy from flowing water,
converting it into a sustainable energy source.

Embracing these renewable energy alternatives lessens the environmental

impact associated with fossil fuel extraction and combustion and promotes
energy independence and sustainability. By reducing reliance on finite and
environmentally harmful resources, integrating renewable energy sources
fosters a cleaner, greener future while aligning with global efforts to mitigate
climate change, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable planet for current
and future generations.
2. Promote Sustainable Transportation
Advocating for sustainable transportation is a pivotal step in mitigating
environmental impact. Encouraging the utilization of public transport,
cycling, walking, and electric vehicles plays a crucial role in curbing air
pollution and lessening dependence on gasoline-powered cars.
Public transport systems are key in reducing individual carbon footprints,
offering a more efficient means of transportation that accommodates a
larger number of people using fewer vehicles, thereby decreasing traffic
congestion and emissions. Cycling and walking promote physical health and
contribute to a cleaner environment by eliminating emissions.
Embracing electric vehicles powered by renewable energy sources
significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil
fuels. By promoting and supporting these sustainable transportation options,
communities and individuals can actively contribute to improving air quality,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering a healthier, more
sustainable environment for current and future generations.
3. Practice Waste Reduction and Recycling
Reducing waste and implementing recycling practices are pivotal steps in
fostering sustainability. By adopting a waste reduction approach that
includes recycling, reusing items, composting, and favouring products with
minimal packaging, individuals and communities contribute significantly to
lessening their environmental impact.
Recycling materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal reduces the
volume of waste sent to landfills and conserves resources by turning used
items into new products. Additionally, reusing items and composting organic
waste minimizes landfill contributions and enriches soil health for agriculture.
Embracing the principles of a circular economy, where resources are
reused, recycled, or repurposed, reduces the strain on natural resources. This
approach focuses on creating a closed-loop system where materials are used
for as long as possible, reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing
waste.
By advocating and participating in these waste reduction strategies,
individuals actively contribute to a more sustainable future, conserving
resources, reducing pollution, and lessening environmental impact. Small but
conscious changes in daily practices lead to substantial collective progress
toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible society.
4. Support Sustainable Agriculture
Promoting sustainable agriculture involves championing local and organic
farming practices and prioritizing environmental health and biodiversity. By
supporting local farmers committed to organic methods, we advocate for
reducing harmful chemicals and pesticides in food production. These
methods not only benefit the immediate environment but also enhance the
nutritional quality of the produce.
Organic farming preserves soil integrity, allowing for increased soil fertility,
moisture retention, and long-term sustainability. By steering away from
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, local and organic farming practices
encourage the growth of diverse ecosystems, protecting and fostering
biodiversity. This approach supports the natural habitats of various species,
promoting a healthier and more balanced environment.
Supporting sustainable agriculture benefits the quality of our food. It plays a
pivotal role in conserving our planet’s ecosystems and resources, ensuring a
more resilient and harmonious relationship between agriculture and the
natural world.
5. Advocate for Conservation
Advocating for conservation is a critical pillar in preserving the delicate
balance of our planet. Protecting and restoring ecosystems, forests, and
water bodies are fundamental to maintaining biodiversity and
safeguarding natural resources. Ecosystems are the intricate networks that
support life, from the tiniest microorganisms to the largest animals. By
conserving these ecosystems, we protect the diverse species within them,
ensuring their survival and the natural world’s resilience.
Forests, often termed the lungs of the Earth, play a pivotal role in mitigating
climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Their preservation helps to
stabilize the global climate and supports countless species. Similarly, water
bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, are the lifeblood of our planet,
providing habitats for numerous species and serving as sources of freshwater
crucial for both ecosystems and human life.
By advocating for the conservation of these natural resources, we
contribute to the well-being of our planet and future generations. It’s not
merely about protecting environments but also recognizing the intrinsic
value of diverse ecosystems and their services for all life on Earth. We can
ensure a sustainable and thriving planet for years to come through
conservation efforts.
6. Educate and Raise Awareness
Informing and engaging communities about the importance of sustainable
living fosters understanding and collective action. Education on
environmental issues and sustainable practices is key.
7. Promote Ethical Consumerism
Opt for eco-friendly, fair trade, and sustainably sourced products. Support
businesses that prioritize sustainability in their operations and supply chains.
8. Empower Women and Girls
Ensuring gender equality and providing women and girls access to education
and healthcare can lead to more sustainable communities and economic
growth.
9. Invest in Innovation
Supporting research and innovation in sustainable technologies and
practices can lead to significant advancements in achieving environmental
and social goals.
10. Advocate for Responsible Policies
Encourage governments and businesses to adopt sustainability policies,
including regulations supporting renewable energy, emissions reduction, and
environmental conservation.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 represents the collective long-term vision and

aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country in the
next 25 years. It describes the kind of life that people want to live, and how
the country will be by 2040. As such, it is an anchor for development
planning across at least four administrations.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 is a picture of the future, a set of life goals and
goals for the country. It is different from a plan, which defines the strategies
to achieve the goals. It is like a destination that answers the
question “Where do we want to be?”. A plan describes the way to get to
the destination; AmBisyon Natin 2040 is the vision that guides the future
and is the anchor of the country’s plans.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 is the result of a long-term visioning process that

began in 2015. More than 300 citizens participated in focus group
discussions and close to 10,000 answered the national survey. Technical
studies were prepared to identify strategic options for realizing the vision
articulated by citizens. The exercise benefitted from the guidance of an
Advisory Committee composed of government, private sector, academe, and
civil society.

The Life of All Filipinos in 2040:

Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay
By 2040, Filipinos enjoy a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life.
In 2040, we will all enjoy a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure
in the knowledge that we have enough for our daily needs and
unexpected expenses, that we can plan and prepare for our own
and our children’s future. Our family lives together in a place of our
own, and we have the freedom to go where we desire, protected
and enabled by a clean, efficient, and fair government.

Matatag
 Family is together
 Time with friends
 Work-life balance
 Volunteering
Maginhawa
 Free from hunger and poverty
 Secure home ownership
 Good transport facilities
 Travel and vacation
Panatag
 Enough resources for day-to-day needs, unexpected expenses and
savings
 Peace and security
 Long and healthy life
 Comfortable retirement
Embracing AmBisyon Natin 2040 Early into his administration, President
Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order No. 5, s.2016 “approving and
adopting the twenty five-year long-term vision entitled AmBisyon Natin 2040
as guide for development planning.” AmBisyon Natin 2040 represents the
collective aspirations of Filipinos to enjoy a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag
na buhay.” This was the result of various focus group discussions and
nationally representative survey undertaken by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) in early 2016. AmBisyon Natin 2040 reveals
the many dimensions of well-being that Filipinos value the most: strong
family and community ties, a comfortable lifestyle, and a secure future. It
should then be the mission of government to steer development processes to
enable and empower every Filipino to achieve these aspirations.

The same EO adopted the following vision for the Philippines:

By 2040, the Philippines shall have been a prosperous, predominantly
middle-class society where no one is poor; our peoples live long and healthy
lives, are smart and innovative, and live in a high-trust society.

A Plan with a Vision: The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022