According to Chegg, sustainability is “Balancing the requirements of today without jeopardizing the capability of forthcoming generations to fulfill their own necessities.
Sustainability and sustainable development
Sustainability aims to preserve natural and physical resources, ensuring their availability for the future. Sustainability is vital for development as it safeguards natural resources for future generations. Careless resource usage leads to depletion, hindering a country’s development progress. Types of sustainable development include environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.
What is the main goal of sustainable development?
To achieve a harmonious balance between economic advancement, social justice, and environmental stewardship for long-term prosperity.
Three pillars of sustainability for development
The concept of the Three Pillars of Sustainability offers a popular framework for understanding sustainable development. This model highlights the essential components of environmental, social, and economic factors in discussions about sustainability.
Environmental sustainability
This pillar underscores the significance of natural resources and biodiversity in sustaining life on our planet. It emphasizes the need to preserve and protect our environment for the well-being of current and future generations.
Social sustainability
This aspect focuses on fostering social structures, promoting well-being, and achieving harmony within communities, addressing challenges such as poverty, conflict, and injustice, emphasizing the importance of social equity and cohesion.
Economic sustainability
This is the capacity of an economy to grow and thrive over time. Because financing is crucial for sustainable initiatives, economic sustainability is vital. Financial viability and a strong economic foundation are both needed to support sustainable development efforts.
Why Is Sustainability Important for Development?
We’ve explored various definitions of sustainability and the tools used globally to measure our impact on the environment, societies, and economies. But what makes sustainability so crucial for development?
A few reasons:
- Sustainability integrates social, environmental, and economic concerns in global discussions, preventing essential aspects from being overlooked. This inclusive approach fosters fairer and more equitable dialogues, provided a diverse array of voices is involved.
- Sustainability fosters new dialogues among individuals with diverse expertise and perspectives. Scientists, sociologists, economists, and others bring unique skills to the table, contributing to humanity’s ability to flourish while preserving the planet.
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a powerful tool for assessing progress and promoting key concepts and strategies. They encourage practical ideas and actions while maintaining a realistic outlook on future improvements and endeavors.
What are sustainable development goals?
In 2015, the United Nations issued a global challenge. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. This ambitious agenda serves as a universal call to action, aiming to eradicate poverty, protect our planet, and ensure prosperity and peace for all by 2030.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are interconnected, acknowledging the ripple effect of actions across different areas. They emphasise a holistic approach to development, balancing social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Countries around the world have pledged to prioritize progress for the most disadvantaged populations. The SDGs aim to achieve a future free from poverty, hunger, diseases, and gender discrimination.
Fulfilling these goals requires the collective ingenuity, expertise, technology, and financial resources of all members of society. Only through a collaborative global effort can we achieve a sustainable future for all.
Objectives of Sustainable Development Goals
- Ending Poverty. Eradicate extreme poverty and create a world where everyone thrives.
- Zero Hunger. Build a future free from hunger and malnutrition, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food.
- Health for All. Promote healthcare access, healthy lifestyles, and preventive measures for a healthier world.
- Quality Education. Guarantee everyone access to quality education, fostering lifelong learning opportunities.
- Gender Equality. Empower women and girls through equal opportunities across all aspects of life.
- Clean Water and Sanitation. Provide everyone with clean water and sanitation facilities for a healthy life.
- Clean Energy for All. Transition to affordable, clean energy to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth. Create sustainable economic growth and decent work opportunities for all.
- Building Sustainable Infrastructure. Develop reliable infrastructure that supports economic development and social well-being.
- Reducing Inequality. Bridge the gap between rich and poor, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at a better life.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities. Create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities—places where everyone has access to safe housing, transportation, and basic services.
- Responsible Consumption and Production. Promote sustainable consumption and production patterns to protect the environment and conserve resources.
- Climate Action. Combat climate change and its devastating effects.
- Protecting Life Below Water. Safeguard the health of our oceans and marine ecosystems.
- Protecting Life on Land. Preserve biodiversity and protect our vital terrestrial ecosystems.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Promote peaceful societies with strong institutions that can uphold human rights.
- Global Partnerships. Achieving these ambitious goals requires collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals around the world.
This version uses strong verbs, focuses on the positive outcomes, and emphasizes the global nature of the SDGs.
Did You Know?
A 2017 study revealed that SDG 1 (No poverty) demonstrated the strongest synergy with other SDGs. Notably, the objective of eradicating poverty ranked among the top ten synergy pairs globally on five occasions. Furthermore, the study identified a statistical correlation between poverty reduction and advancements in SDGs 3 (Good health and well-being), 4 (Quality education), 5 (Gender equality), 6 (Clean water and sanitation), and 10 (Reduced inequalities).
To witness sustainable development around you, in your city, country, etc., you need top rural development NGOs to intervene.
Why?
Top sustainable development NGOs bring expertise, resources, and innovation crucial for rural development. With their experience, funding from the government or corporations, and community engagement, they drive holistic initiatives tailored to rural needs, fostering sustainable growth, empowering communities, and advocating for policy changes essential for long-term development and well-being.
Which is the top sustainable rural development NGO in India?
S M Sehgal Foundation
The mission of S M Sehgal Foundation is to enhance community-driven development efforts, fostering beneficial social, economic, and environmental transformations in rural India. Our vision is to empower every individual in rural India to lead a secure, prosperous, and dignified life.
Our Reach & Impact
-
4.94 Million
People Reached
-
2,561
Villages
-
64
Districts
-
12
States
-
calls at the Citizen Information and Support Center
-
community leaders trained
-
check dams/nala bunds constructed
-
ponds developed and rejuvenated
-
schools with rainwater harvesting structures
-
crop demonstrations improve farm practices
-
acres covered with drip/sprinkler irrigation
-
schoolchildren benefited by school transformation
The Sustainable Approach Toward Rural Development
Despite significant funding for rural development programs in India, from government, businesses, and charities, these efforts fall short due to problems getting them to the people who need them most. A lack of information sharing and limited involvement from local communities are the main roadblocks. Village leaders often struggle to run these programs effectively because they don’t have enough information, skills, or resources. This is especially true for rural women, who face additional challenges due to limited education and lack of knowledge about health, finances, and self-confidence.
Rural women are particularly disadvantaged due to significant gender gaps in education and skill development. They often possess limited knowledge regarding health and hygiene, financial security, and generally lack confidence, which exacerbate the challenges they face in contributing to village development.
S M Sehgal Foundation’s Local Participation and Sustainability Program ensures the projects’ long-term success. Sustainability is seen as an ongoing process where communities gain skills and confidence throughout a project and beyond. The program works to make people invested in the project by showing them the advantages it brings and encouraging communities to actively participate and contribute resources to keep the improvements going. Additionally, the program helps village councils (gram panchayats) tap into government funding and subsidized programs to support the upkeep of the project’s result. The ultimate goal is for communities to take charge of their village’s development and ensure the project’s benefits continue well after its implementation.
Sihri-Singalheri Panchayat, Punhana block in the Nuh district of Haryana, had two village chaupals, one each in Sihri and Singalheri villages. Both were in a dilapidated condition so that local people were not able to utilize them. As a result, the local community had trouble organizing meetings and training to discuss matters pertaining to village development.
What Actions Were Taken?
A CSR project implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation was initiated in May 2022. One of the activities of this project was to set up resource centers in Sihri and Singalheri villages. By the end of 2022, the two unused village chaupals were upgraded into resource centers, creating a stimulating environment, particularly for women and children. A Village Development Committee (VDC) was formed in the village, involving active community members to monitor project activities and take ownership of village development. Regular capacity-building sessions on village development and government programs are held in upgraded resource centers.
FAQs
Sustainability: meeting current needs without compromising the future. It balances social, economic, and environmental factors for a healthy planet and a thriving humanity.
Sustainable NGOs bring expertise, resources and innovation to rural communities. They empower communities through holistic initiatives and advocate for long-term development policies.
S M Sehgal Foundation is a frontrunner in promoting community-driven development for positive social, economic, and environmental change in rural India.
Contact us 
Sign up for