PILLARS OF SDs

Social Development

• When societies are built upon respect for human dignity and the family, sustainable economic growth and environmental protection become achievable.

• Social development is thus a prerequisite for a thriving economy and environment.

• Basic necessities such as access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate healthcare are essential for development.

• Progress in the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality likewise are critical given the integral role a woman plays in fostering development in her community.

• By affirming the fundamental human needs, desires, and rights of each person, a unified commitment to sustainable development may be made.

Economic Development

• The aim of authentic economic development is to create social, political and economic conditions that allow each person to reach his or her full potential.

• The capacity of the human person to generate wealth using knowledge, skills and creativity is unique and reflects a fundamental aspect of human dignity.

• It is this dignity and the value of human capital as a whole that comprise our greatest resource, and form the basis upon which to ground all steps toward economic development.

Environmental Protection

• Each person is called to recognize his or her personal responsibility to be an effective steward of our natural environment.

• The fundamental premise upon which responsible stewardship is based is the belief that each person is a precious resource, and that together we may answer the challenges of a growing population with innovation and invention.

• The goals of development and environmental protection do not stand in opposition, but are instead mutually attainable through a person-centered approach.

Four Pillars of SDs• The Sustainable Kingston Plan has elected to

use a four-pillar approach to sustainability. This approach is most clearly articulated in a sustainability tool known as the Melbourne Principles, which focuses equally on all four pillars.

WHY CULTURE????• It is generally felt, however, that these dimensions alone cannot possibly reflect the

complexity of current society. • Culture ultimately shapes what we mean by development and determines how people act in

the world.• This new approach addresses the relation between culture and sustainable development

through dual means: firstly, the development of the cultural sector itself (i.e. heritage, creativity, cultural industries, crafts, cultural tourism); and secondly, ensuring that culture has its rightful place in all public policies, particularly those related to education, the economy, science, communication, environment, social cohesion and international cooperation.

• The world is not only facing economic, social, or environmental challenges. Creativity, knowledge, diversity, and beauty are the unavoidable bases for dialogue for peace and progress as these values are intrinsically connected to human development and freedoms.

• While we have a duty to promote the continuity of indigenous local cultures, old traditions meet new creativity every day in cities around the world, contributing to the preservation of identity and diversity. Intercultural dialogue is one of humankind's greatest challenges and creativity is identified as an inexhaustible resource nourishing society and economy.

The Importance of Integration • Sustainable Kingston is an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP).

While it is convenient to organize sustainability in terms of the four pillars of cultural vitality, economic health and social equity, it is the integration between them that will drive sustainability, highlight opportunities for innovation and reduce duplication of efforts.

• Ensuring the preservation of our environment and the responsible use of our natural resources are the right thing to do. Building the basis to enable social equity is good for all of us. Preserving and growing our cultural vitality contributes directly to the quality of life for all our citizens. Building our economic strength is necessary. We recognize that an integrated approach will bring forward differing opinions; but the recognition and resolution of these differences will result in decisions that contribute to a more sustainable community.