EDU706 SOCIAL EDUCATION 2
WEEK 6 LECTURE 1
Conceptual understanding of Inclusive
Societies and Sustainability
Introduction
World Summit for Social Development
(1995) established the concept of
social integration to create an
inclusive society as one of the key
goals.
World Summit
The Copenhagen Declaration and Programme
of Action (1995) - a key outcome of the
Summit, pledged to make the eradication of
poverty, full employment and social
integration major objectives of development.
To foster inclusive societies that are stable,
safe, just and tolerant, respect diversity,
equality of opportunity and participation of all
people including disadvantaged and vulnerable
groups and individuals.
Millenium Development Goals
Millenium Declaration (2000) - set a framework
for development (8 MDGs) to be achieved by 2015.
Strengths – global progress towards poverty
reduction, gender equality, health
and education.
- easy to communicate and
measurable
MDGs
Limitations – ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach
to all planning
- aggregate targets rather
than equity
- efforts not able to reach
poorest and hard to reach
populations.
Sustainable Development Goals
2015 UN member countries adopted 17 SDGs aiming to
transform the world (169 targets)
Major focus – public health and development and
global sustainability.
The Sustainable Development Goals are:
No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
SDGs
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Reducing Inequality
Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDGs
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life with Water
Life On Land
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals
Sustainability
Sustainability refers to the conservation,
protection, and regeneration of resources
over an indefinite period of time.
Today’s decisions affect the future of human
health and well-being, the environment, and
the economy.
Requires knowledge and understanding of past
events as well as the ability to make informed
predictions of future events.
Aims of sustainability
To make equitable decisions and to conduct
activities so that human health and well-being,
the environment, and the economy can be
improved and maintained for future generations.
Sustainability requires understanding, not just of
social, environmental, and economic issues, but
of their ongoing interrelationship and
interdependence.
The process of sustainable decision making
involves a critical examination of our priorities,
habits, beliefs, and values.
Challenges of sustainability
It must be a collaborative process.
Citizens need to agree upon a vision as well as an
action plan for the future.
This requires collective and conscious decision
making.
Sustainable Development
“….is development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.”
(World Commission on Environment and Development,
1987)
One considers simultaneously the positive and
negative impacts of any decision on human health
and well-being, the environment, and the economy.
The Three Dimensions
Sustainable Human Health and
Societies
Characterized by people coexisting harmoniously
within local, national, and global communities,
and with nature.
A sustainable society is one that is physically,
psychologically, spiritually, and socially healthy.
The well-being of individuals, families, and
communities is of prime importance.
Environment Sustainability
The life-sustaining processes and natural
resources of the Earth are conserved and
regenerated.
Provides equitable access to resources and
opportunities.
Development decisions, policies, and practices
that respect cultural realities and differences,
and do not exhaust the Earth’s resources.
Decisions, policies, and practices are carried out
so as to minimize their impact on the Earth’s
resources and to maximize the regeneration of
the natural environment.
Sustainable Practices
Maintaining the qualities that are valued in the physical
environment and contributing to a sustainable future.
Living sustainably – living within the means of natural
systems (environment) and ensuring that our lifestyle
does not harm other people (society and culture)
Examples: Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable forestry
Waste management
Water management
Energy resources
Biofuel
Summary
Sustainability- conservation, protection,
and regeneration of resources.
Sustainable Development-development
that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own
needs.
Sustainable Practices- actions which
protect the environment and contribute
to sustainable future.
References
Education for sustainable future: a resource for
curriculum developers, teachers and
administrators.(2000). Manitoba Education and
Training.(pp.5-9;23;31)
Scott, W. (2002). Sustainability and Learning:
what role for the curriculum. Council for
Environment Education in association with Centre
for Research in Education and Environment,
University of Bath. (pp.4-6).
