'Sustainable development more important than ever'

Now more than ever, the report said, leaders need to focus on what matters most - the long-term resilience of people and the planet. The secretary-general, in receiving the panel's report, stated that sustainable development is a top priority for his second term of office. "We need to chart a new, more sustainable course for the future, one that strengthens equality and economic growth while protecting our planet," he said.

Co-chaired by Finnish President Tarja Halonen and South African President Jacob Zuma, the 22-member Panel's final report, "Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing," contains 56 recommendations to put sustainable development into practice and to mainstream it into economic policy as quickly as possible. "With the possibility of the world slipping further into recession, policymakers are hungry for ideas that can help them to navigate these difficult times," said Zuma. "Our report makes clear that sustainable development is more important than ever given the multiple crises now enveloping the world."

Co-chair President Halonen stressed the importance of placing people at the centre of achieving sustainable development. "Eradication of poverty and improving equity must remain priorities for the world community," Halonen noted. According to Business Live, the report underscores the importance of science as an essential guide for decision-making on sustainability issues. It calls on the Secretary-General to lead efforts to produce a regular Global Sustainable Development Outlook report that integrates knowledge across sectors and institutions, and to consider creating a Science Advisory Board or Scientific Advisor.

Read the full article on www.businesslive.co.za.