Our View on Sustainability

Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland-Commission 1987)

We understand sustainability to be a long-term and sustainable development that is multi-dimensional and encompassing. It integrates economic, ecologic, and social questions, and aims at intra- and intergenerational justice with international reach. Strategies for sustainability are implemented on local, regional, national, and global level. Problem-solving approaches also include political, ethical, technological, and socio-cultural aspects.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a strategic reference point for our work at IZNE. Combining goals of sustainability and development, the preliminary 17 SDG goals mirror our view on sustainable development. The substantial thematic foci of these goals will furthermore be considered within the institute's projects.

Other publications such as the FONA agenda setting, the WBGU report "Welt im Wandel" and "Towards a Green Economy" by UNEP provide further input and shape our understanding of sustainability.