ISSN 2747-2671 (online)

PINISI
JOURNAL OF ART, HUMANITY & SOCIAL STUDIES
Vol. 3 No. 4, 2023

Sustainable Human Development: Issues and

Challenges
Kemi Anthony, Emina
Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Correspondent Author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
Human development is a complex phenomenon that involves expanding the array of options available to individuals. It is a
multidimensional concept that primarily denotes enhancements in people's quality of life across various socio-economic
dimensions, such as health, education, standard of living, physical and social infrastructure, quality of life, and security. These
dimensions are widely recognised as essential components of human development and are considered nonnegotiable. This
research aims to elucidate the characteristics and conceptualizations of sustainable human development. Moreover, the primary
emphasis is placed on addressing the fundamental concerns and obstacles pertaining to the achievement of sustainable human
development. This work examines a range of pressing concerns, including but not limited to extreme poverty, inadequate
healthcare, low literacy rates, social exclusion, depletion of groundwater resources, pollution, environmental degradation,
deforestation, climate change, economic violence, terrorism, governance issues, corruption, political instability, human security,
political security, economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, as well as individual and community
security. The work also assesses various problems and challenges associated with these issues. Additionally, a concise explanation
is provided on the issues associated with sustainable development..

Keywords: morality; moral values; norms; tradition; culture; moral relativism; absolutism.

the interconnectedness of disciplines, sustainable

1. INTRODUCTION advantages resulting from technology progress,
During the 1950s and 1960s, the prevailing and the significance of collaborative partnerships
development theories placed significant emphasis began to emerge. The primary focus of the new
on the promotion of economic growth and the paradigm is sustainable human growth. The
measurement of a nation's economic output via achievement of human development is facilitated
Gross National Product (GNP). During the 1970s, by the equitable distribution of income, access to
there was a notable rise in global poverty levels. quality healthcare and education, a clean
In response, the government implemented the environment, and the presence of freedom of
basic needs strategy as a means to address this expression. These elements are widely recognised
issue. However, the effectiveness of this method as pivotal factors in the overall development
was hindered by the apathetic behaviour of the process.The main focus of sustainable
wealthy few and the vulnerability of the development is in the establishment of
marginalised populations. The 1980s were reproducible patterns of material use, which
marked by the emergence of similar issues, acknowledge the constraints imposed by the
including environmental deterioration, debt, environment. Nevertheless, sustainable
deprivation, and rising inequality within nations. development encompasses more than just
However, throughout the 1990s, there was a advocating for the preservation of the
glimmer of optimism as more equitable environment. Additionally, it suggests a new
management strategies, increased recognition of paradigm of growth that affords equal prospects

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for everybody worldwide, while also territory and the idea of development, which is
safeguarding the limited resources of our planet. seen as a progression in the enhancement of
Sustainable development refers to a individual and collective human capabilities to
comprehensive approach that encompasses engage in activities that are freely chosen and
several policies, including economic, fiscal, highly valued.
agricultural, and industrial, with the aim of A definition of valid acceptance regarding
achieving development that is economically, human development and its correlation with
socially, and environmentally sustainable. sustainability can be found in the UNDP report on
Achieving sustainability requires human development. The report introduces the
comprehensive transformations at both national concept as follows: "Human development is a
and international scales. At the national level, progressive phenomenon that encompasses the
achieving sustainability necessitates the broadening of individuals' prospects, with a
establishment of equilibrium between present primary emphasis on attaining longevity,
obligations and future requirements, as well as a acquiring education, and experiencing a
harmonious coexistence between private satisfactory standard of living." The concept of
enterprise and governmental intervention, and a human development encompasses four
delicate balance between individual self-interest fundamental pillars, namely equality,
and societal empathy. Moreover, sustainability sustainability, productivity, and empowerment.
entails a significant reorganisation of fiscal The perspective under consideration places
allocations, diverting resources away from significant importance on economic development,
military expenditures and ineffective public while also highlighting the need of addressing
investments, and redirecting them towards matters pertaining to quality and distribution. It
investments in human capital and engages in a meticulous examination of the
environmentally sustainable technologies. At the connections between economic growth and
global scale, the achievement of sustainable individuals' livelihoods, while also raising
development requires a consensus that the well- inquiries over the long-term viability of such
being of all individuals is contingent upon the endeavours.
collective collaboration of all nations. In order to
address this issue, it is imperative to establish a 2. SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
more fair global framework by disassembling the DEVELOPMENT: NATURE AND
existing international economic system. In the DEFINITIONS
context of a very disparate global landscape, the The development theories used
attainment of a unified global entity necessitates throughout the 1950s and 1960s placed significant
comprehensive worldwide changes. The idea of emphasis on economic growth and Gross
sustainability will always remain illusive in the National Product (GNP). During the 1970s, there
absence of global fairness.Sustainability was a notable rise in poverty levels on a global
proponents emphasise the fundamental scale. In response to this issue, governments
importance of human development, asserting that adopted the basic needs strategy as a means to
real human development cannot be achieved address the problem. However, the effectiveness
without the integration of sustainability of this method has been hindered by the apathetic
principles (Singh, 2014). The notion of Sen's behaviour of the affluent few and the
'capacity approach' (Robeyns, 2005) provides the vulnerability experienced by marginalised
foundational framework for understanding the communities. The 1980s were marked by the
scientific underpinnings of sustainability in emergence of a similar phenomenon, which
relation to both development and human further exacerbated the pressing issue of
wellbeing. This method aims to explore an environmental degradation on a global scale.
alternate perspective on the sustainability of Additionally, it brought about significant

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challenges such as mounting debt, socio- increased investments in human capital and
economic distress, and widening gaps within environmentally sustainable technologies. At the
nations. However, throughout the 1990s, there global scale, the achievement of sustainable
was a glimmer of optimism as more balanced development requires a consensus that the well-
management strategies, more recognition of being of all individuals is contingent upon the
multidisciplinary connections, sustained collective collaboration of all nations. The
advantages resulting from technical establishment of a more equal global order
advancements, and the importance of necessitates the demolition of the current
partnerships began to emerge. The primary focus international economic framework. In the context
of the new paradigm is sustainable human of a very disparate global landscape, the
growth. achievement of a unified global entity necessitates
The attainment of human development is comprehensive worldwide changes. The idea of
facilitated by the equitable allocation of resources, sustainability will always remain illusive in the
including income, access to healthcare, education, absence of global fairness.
a clean environment, and the freedom to express The concept of human development is
oneself. These elements are widely recognised as fundamentally aligned with the goals of
important factors in the overall development sustainability supporters, as it encompasses the
process. The primary focus of sustainable notion of preserving and maintaining important
development is in the examination of replicable elements for the well-being of humanity. In the
forms of material consumption that acknowledge absence of sustainability, human growth cannot
and address the environmental constraints. be considered genuine or complete. Singh (2014)
Nevertheless, it is important to note that conducted a study on this topic. The theoretical
sustainable development encompasses more than framework of Sen's 'capacity approach' (Robeyns,
just advocating for the preservation of the 2005) provides the foundational underpinning for
environment. Additionally, it suggests a new understanding sustainability as a scientific
paradigm of growth that affords equal discipline that is interconnected with both
opportunities to everybody worldwide, while development and human well-being. This method
also safeguarding the limited resources of our aims to tackle an alternative understanding of
planet. Sustainable development refers to a territorial sustainability and perspectives on
comprehensive approach that encompasses development as a progression of enhancing
several policies, including economic, fiscal, individual and collective human capabilities to
agricultural, and industrial, with the aim of engage in activities that are freely chosen and
achieving development that is economically, esteemed. The UNDP report on human
socially, and environmentally sustainable. development provides a definition of valid
Achieving sustainability requires acceptance regarding the interplay between
comprehensive transformations at both national human development and sustainability.
and international scales. At the national level, According to this report, human development can
achieving sustainability necessitates a be understood as a progressive advancement in
harmonious equilibrium between present individuals' opportunities, with a particular
obligations and future requirements, as well as a emphasis on factors such as longevity, education
delicate balance between private enterprise and accessibility, and the attainment of a satisfactory
governmental intervention, and between standard of living. The concept of human
individual self-interest and societal empathy. development encompasses four fundamental
Furthermore, sustainability entails a significant pillars, namely equality, sustainability,
reorganisation of fiscal allocations, redirecting productivity, and empowerment. The perspective
resources away from military expenditures and under consideration places significant importance
inefficient public investments, and towards on economic development, while concurrently

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highlighting the need of addressing matters concept under consideration involves enhancing
pertaining to quality and distribution. It the practical necessities and strategic concerns for
undertakes a meticulous examination of the all constituents within a given community, with
connections to individuals' lives and raises the ultimate objective of ensuring comprehensive
inquiries on the enduring viability of these physical, mental, and social welfare.
connections. Each of the aforementioned definitions of
According to the United Nations progress sustainable human development highlights
Programme's Human Development Report, distinct characteristics of human development
human progress is characterised by the expansion objectives. The emphasis on environmental
of individuals' opportunities and choices sustainability is not the primary focus of what is
(Hopkins, 1991). The concept being discussed is often referred to as sustainable human
an expansion of the fundamental needs method. development. Within the human development
The basic needs approach serves as a reminder paradigm, the prevailing perspective regards
that the primary goal of development endeavours sustainability as only one aspect among many
is to ensure that every individual is given the within the broader aims of human development.
chance to have a complete and fulfilling life. Conversely, the sustainability paradigm posits
Human growth is to move away from that sustainability is the central concern for our
fundamental interpretations that are centred on future existence.
commodity bundles or individual demands. Sustainable development, which entails
Human development extends beyond the the fulfilment of current needs while
fulfilment of fundamental necessities, since it safeguarding the capacity of future generations to
encompasses the well-being of all individuals, fulfil their own needs, necessitates purposeful
regardless of their socioeconomic status within a intervention to avert the depletion or
nation-state or across different nation-states. The deterioration of environmental assets. This is
notion of Sustainable Human Development done to ensure the perpetual sustenance of the
(SHD) pertains to the enduring nature of resource base and ecological foundation that
development. There exists a potential scenario support human activities. The fundamental
whereby the current beneficiaries of progress may essence of sustainable human growth is
inadvertently impose a burden on future explicated in the following discourse.
generations by depleting the earth's limited
resources and harming the environment. The 3. MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE
World Commission on Environment and PRESENT
Development (Our Common Future 1987) Economic Needs: Includes access to adequate
espoused the overarching idea of sustainable livelihood or productive assets, also economic
development, which posits that the present security when unemployed, ill, disabled or
generation should fulfil its requirements while otherwise unable to secure a livelihood.
ensuring that future generations may do the same
(Borowy, 2013, p. 54). Social, Cultural and Health needs: Includes a
Sustainable development encompasses shelter which is healthy, safe, affordable and
two fundamental components, namely secure, within a neighborhood with provision for
sustainable human development and piped water, sanitation, drainage, transport,
environmental sustainability. Dewan (2009) health care, education and child development.
posits that the concept of SHD fosters a conducive Also, a home, workplace and living environment
atmosphere whereby the assurance of human protected from environmental hazards, including
security is maintained, enabling individuals to chemical pollution. It should consider the needs
realise their utmost capabilities and pursue a life related to people’s choice and control, including
characterised by dignity and freedom. The homes and neighborhoods which they value and

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where their social and cultural priorities are met. the important criteria for judging sustainable
Shelter and services must meet the specific needs human development could be:
of children and adults responsible for most child- 1. The quality of life of the inhabitants
rearing (usually women). Achieving this implies a including existing levels of poverty, social
more equitable distribution of income between exclusion and integration and socio-political
nations and in most nations. stability.
2. The scale and nature of renewable resource
Political Needs: Includes freedom to participate use, including the extent to which waste
in national and local politics and in decisions recycling or reuse, reduces it.
regarding management and development of one’s 3. The scale and nature of non-renewable waste
home and neighborhood within a broader generated by production and consumption
framework which ensures respect for civil and activities and the means by which these are
political rights and the implementation of disposed of. It also includes the extent to
environmental legislation (Mitlin & Satterthwaite, which the wastes affect human health, natural
1994). systems and amenities.
4. The scale and nature of renewable resource
Without compromising the ability of future use, including the provision to ensure
generation to meet their own needs sustainable levels of demand.
Proper usage or minimizing the wastage of non- However, this definition remains silent about the
renewable resources: Includes minimizing the constituents of the needs of the present and future
consumption of fossil fuels in housing, commerce, generations. This is primarily crucial because
industry and transport and substituting developing countries in general are not satisfied
renewable sources where feasible. Also, with their present levels of consumption, while
minimizing water wastage (reduce use, reuse, developed countries are not entitled to 85 percent
recycle, reclaim). There are also non-renewable of the world’s income without reversing the
cultural, historical and natural assets within cities present patterns of consumption. As a matter of
which are irreplaceable so the natural landscapes fact, the preservation of the global environment
which provide space for play, recreation and raises serious questions about the distribution of
access to nature. global income and assets at present.
The concept of sustainable development
Sustainable use of renewable resources: Cities implies that each generation must meet its needs
drawing on freshwater at sources at levels which without incurring debts that it cannot repay. The
can be sustained; keeping to a sustainable word debt includes four dimensions, which are as
ecological footprint in terms of land area on which follows:
producers and consumers in any city draw for (i) Avoiding the accumulation of
agricultural crops, wood products and biomass environmental debts by depleting natural
fuels. resources;
(ii) Avoiding financial debts by incurring
Waste from cities keeping within the absorptive unsustainable borrowing
capacity of local and global sinks: Including (iii) Avoiding social debts by neglecting
renewable sinks (e.g., the capacity of the river to investment in human capital
breakdown biodegradable wastes) and non- (iv) Avoiding demographic debts by permitting
renewable sinks (for chemical, include unchecked population growth vis-avis
greenhouse gases, stratospheric ozone-depleting urbanization.
chemicals and many pesticides). Taking into Sustainable human development may be
account both the development and environment achieved by the implementation of appropriate
components in sustainable human development,

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fiscal policies in each of the aforementioned contribute to human development (Loewenstein

domains, ensuring a balanced approach across & Sicherman, 1991).
generations. Sustainable development The sustainability debate also regards essential
necessitates differentiation from mere economic items of human development such as:
progress and a commitment to preserving the (i) Education to lead an informed and self-
physical environment, ultimately benefiting determined life;
human well-being. Nevertheless, the preservation (ii) Multiple dimensions of development, with
of the physical environment serves as a mere the acknowledgment, that income is an
instrumentality towards the ultimate objective of important determinant;
supporting human existence. It is essential to (iii) Education and health as instrumentally
ensure the provision of developmental prospects productive, valuable and therefore
and the exercise of human agency for forthcoming desirable in their own right;
generations, so guaranteeing that they experience (iv) It reminds proponents of sustainability that
a minimum degree of welfare and well-being what should be sustainable is as important
comparable to that experienced by our present as how to sustain it;
generation. (v) Human development stressed that people
In light of this context, the notion of must have freedom and choices to fulfill
sustainable human development places emphasis their needs, desires/wants. This is
on both the current and future aspects. Concerns compatible with a definition of sustainable
arise for future generations when the current development, as a non-decreasing capacity
generation is experiencing poverty and living to provide non-declining per capita utility
below the poverty threshold. The perpetuation of for infinity. This is compatible with the
current injustices is both unnecessary and capital approach to sustainable
undesirable, since it is neither sustainable nor of development; and
value to maintain. The prerequisite for any (vi) Human development tries to remind
feasible approach to sustainable human growth is proponents of sustainability that people are,
the requisite reorganisation of global income and real with freedoms and choices, not social
consumption patterns. welfare state clients who are allocated a
4. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN certain amount of utility by the omnipotent
DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE social welfare planner.
DEVELOPMENT To this end, there is no tension between human
Human development and sustainable development and sustainable development, both
development are closely related to one another are based on the universalism of life claims
but different in some respects. The difference (Neumayer, 2016). If human development is about
being that attaining higher human development enabling people to lead long, healthy, educated
may require the use of more resources, whereas and fulfilling lives, then sustainable human
ensuring sustainability may require constraining development is about making sure that future
the use of resources. However, the relationship is generations can do the same. But to some sense
that both human development and sustainable adding ‘sustainable’ as a prefix is superfluous,
development emphases on capabilities, ability since human development without being
and capacity. These two concepts, therefore share sustainable cannot be true human development.
the basic views that development is about
enabling people. Since people derived utility from 5.FACTORS AFFECTING HUMAN
many things other than income, economic DEVELOPMENT
development is not just more than raising per With the end of the MDGs which guided
capita income, but also includs health, education, global development till 2015, the international
autonomy and freedom as well which all community negotiated SDGs for the period 2016-

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2030. The main challenges to sustainable most susceptible demographic within society. In
development which are global in character instances of violence, women tend to have the
include poverty and exclusion, unemployment, most pronounced adverse effects. Children have
climate change, conflict, humanitarian aid, emerged as a very susceptible demographic,
building peaceful and inclusive societies, building being often coerced into domestic employment,
strong institutions of governance and supporting exploited as labourers, and subjected to the perils
the rule of law. The literature on human of human trafficking.
development and sustainable development, or The status of women in Nigeria presents
sustainability in short, has long been separated. a dichotomy, with some women making strides in
Many studies have proved that human and various fields such as executive positions, political
sustainable development are interlinked. leadership, environmental activism, social work,
Moreover, the concept of sustainable human and entrepreneurial endeavours. Conversely, the
development is a debatable topic among situation for women in rural areas of India is less
policymakers and researchers around the world. promising due to limited access to education and
Having discussed the conceptual links between a lack of awareness regarding their rights and
human development and sustainability, this responsibilities. Despite the implementation of
section highlights the challenges of sustainable legislation aimed at improving their
human development or the issues which have circumstances, the efforts have not yet gained
constrined it. momentum. Children have also been adversely
affected by significant deficiencies in schooling
5.1 Poor Health and have been subjected to exploitative labour
The protection of persons is universally practises, such as engaging in work in various
recognised as the primary objective in ensuring businesses and hotels. Domestic assistants fall
human security. This entails safeguarding against among the demographic of those who lack access
any manifestation of violence that poses a risk to to adequate education, work opportunities, and
the personal security of an individual. This entails social security.
not just safeguarding against various forms of The advancements in the healthcare
violence that arise in circumstances such as industry are mostly limited to metropolitan
terrorist attacks or conflicts, but also addressing regions. Additionally, the availability of
other non-conventional security challenges such healthcare services is contingent upon one's
as food insecurity, poverty, displacement, and financial position. The longevity of human life has
similar concerns. The notion of human security seen an upward trend, but the rate of newborn
exhibits a strong interconnection with the mortality has shown a concurrent rise. The
principles of human rights and human correlation between the availability of healthcare
development. In addition to addressing services and economic development and social
individual security concerns, it also encompasses welfare is evident. Improved individual health
the realm of communal security. In the majority of leads to a reduction in productivity losses, so
circumstances, it is the communal responsibility making a significant contribution to overall
of communities to confront various dangers. productivity levels. This phenomenon has a
These hazards arise from routine occurrences, significant impact on available resources,
posing risks to the security of everyday existence therefore mitigating superfluous expenses that
and the integrity of persons and communities. might otherwise be allocated towards enhancing
The prevalence of violence against overall living conditions. The community health
women is a pervasive characteristic seen across centres have the responsibility of assuring the
many countries, indicating its international provision of healthcare services in rural regions.
nature. Crimes perpetrated against women occur However, they often face challenges such as
in both rural and urban settings, making them the inadequate staffing, a workforce that is reluctant

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to work in rural settings, and a lack of essential the number of kids who lack basic reading skills
medical equipment and infrastructure required to has seen a reduction from 170 million to 115
provide comprehensive healthcare. million. Nevertheless, there are still persistent
The primary global risk factors discrepancies based on region and gender. The
contributing to mortality on a worldwide scale are literacy rates are found to be much lower in the
elevated blood pressure, accounting for 13% of least developed nations, with a notable gender
global fatalities, tobacco use at 9%, elevated blood disparity favouring men over females. In the most
glucose levels at 6%, physical inactivity at 6%, and recent years for which statistics are accessible, it
overweight and obesity at 5%. These was observed that young women constituted 59
aforementioned dangers contribute to an percent of the overall illiterate youth
increased susceptibility to chronic ailments, population.Approximately 70 percent of the
including cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and nations and regions, for whom data has been
many forms of cancer. These phenomena have an obtained, have successfully eliminated or
impact on nations across a wide range of significantly reduced illiteracy rates among the
socioeconomic categories, including high, younger population. In several nations situated in
medium, and low-income countries. West and Central Africa, it is noteworthy that the
rates of literacy among the young population
5.2 Low Literacy Rate persist at levels below 50 percent. The following
Education is regarded as a fundamental nations have encountered challenges in their
and pivotal element in the process of growth. The efforts to enhance school enrollment rates at both
aforementioned tool plays a crucial role in the elementary and secondary education levels.
facilitating the process of social, economic, and Nevertheless, despite the potential attainment of
political inclusion, as well as fostering long- universal primary education, several nations have
lasting integration of those who are deemed subpar levels of youth reading. This implies that
marginalised or excluded from the predominant both the act of enrolling in and remaining in
fabric of a given society. Social investment is often school are significant, alongside the overall
seen as an optimal allocation of resources due to quality of education.
the synergistic effects and positive externalities it 5.3 Extreme Poverty
engenders, ultimately enhancing the overall well- Poverty is the most prominent barrier for
being of individuals. The rates of female literacy development in developing countries. Majority of
persistently fall behind, with advancements often the population lives in rural settlements and
being masked by discrepancies in gender, caste, depends on agriculture as their main source of
and poverty across urban and rural contexts. income. Poverty and the environment have a
There exists a significant negative correlation strong relation especially in countries with people
between greater rates of female literacy and lower that depend on natural resources. For people in
rates of fertility, infant mortality, and child these countries to meet their needs, they engage in
mortality, and vice versa. local activities such as tree cutting for fuelwood,
The assessment of an educational system wildlife hunting (leading to extinction), extensive
is often determined by the literacy rates of both and excessive farming systems and so on. These
adolescents (aged 15 to 24) and adults. Currently, activities are carried out to meet the needs of
there is a favourable general trend in literacy present but the repercussions wait for future
rates, which may be attributed to the increased generations.
availability of educational possibilities. According The share of the world’s population living
to Wolhuter and Barbieri (2017), there has been a in extreme poverty declined from 15.7 percent in
significant global rise in the literacy rate among 2010 to 10.0 percent in 2015. However, the pace of
young individuals, rising from 83 percent to 91 global poverty reduction has been decelerating.
percent over a span of two decades. Additionally,

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The International estimates put the global poverty while declines in development and the prevalence
rate in 2019 at 8.2 percent. of extreme poverty consistently serve as catalysts
for conflict. Such conflicts may manifest in the
5.4 Human Security form of warfare or the escalation of social unrest,
The security threats facing the world in tension, and stress. The advancement of human
the 21st century revolve around issues such as development is likely to augment the likelihood of
poverty, underdevelopment, inequality, progress, whilst the lack of progress in human
environmental degradation, climate change, development will heighten the probability of
pandemics (recently COVID-19), illegal failure. Definitions that prioritise the inclusion of
migration, people smuggling, drug trafficking human security, such as the provision of social
and conflicts arising from poor governance safety nets to alleviate economic downturns, must
leading to state failure or viceversa (Nwagboso, recognise that the establishment of such
2018). While these threats are not new, in an era of institutions requires a certain degree of
advancing globalization, they are increasingly development and stability within the state in
transnational and interlinked. Moreover, these order to finance these social and economic
threats directly and deeply affect the safety and security measures (Bitler, et al., 2017).
well-being of people, even when the system of Ensuring the basic guarantee of human
States that comprise the contemporary security is a prerequisite for progressing towards
international order may remain superficially higher levels of development. It is essential to
stable. A comprehensive people-centric ensure the provision of safeguarding measures
understanding of security is warranted, as a more against many adversities, such as natural
appropriate framework of reference and action for disasters, armed conflicts, socioeconomic
today’s world than the traditional notion of deprivation, food insecurity, and forced
national security. relocation. The progress of development is
Human security has assumed a contingent upon the presence of an environment
completely different dimension as opposed to the characterised by tranquilly and safety. Numerous
traditional concept or pattern of security that is in instances demonstrate that civil wars or
vogue in various nations. The human security disruptions often result in limited or negligible
dimensions, though not exhaustive, cover the progress, while conversely, the lack of growth
following areas: political, economic, social, tends to incite conflicts. Various indicators such as
cultural, communitarian and environmental political instability, economic hardship, social
security. unrest, erosion of cultural components, relocation,
and weaker state institutions have been seen to
6. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND contribute to the emergence of significant levels of
HUMAN SECURITY human insecurity. These conditions affect all
It is important to acknowledge the states equally, regardless of their level of
inherent interconnectedness that exists among development or wealth.
human rights, human progress, and human The promotion of sustained peace and
security. It should be acknowledged that the harmony in society is crucial for ensuring the
violation of one of these elements always results quality of human development and human
in the violation of the other. The examination of security. Human progress and human security are
human development is of paramount significance interconnected activities that occur
within this particular context. It is imperative to simultaneously. The advancement in one domain
acknowledge the observed implications of human increases the likelihood of advancement in the
development, or the absence thereof. The other domain, whereas the lack of development in
maintenance of specific levels of human security one domain increases the likelihood of failure in
heavily relies on the progression of development, the other domain. Human security and human

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growth are interconnected concepts that have rate and are reaching alarming proportions. The
reciprocal contributions to each other. The individuals, corporations, government agencies,
prerequisite for development is a focused etc., are responsible for this menace. In the name
perspective on human security, as it serves as the of development projects, the felling of trees is
initial motivation for progress and contributes to being carried out leaving behind the goals of
the expansion of issues related to human security. sustainable development and human progress.
Additionally, human security may serve as a The most serious problem of deforestation is the
means to prioritise efforts, which is sometimes loss of biodiversity. The destruction of forests
absent in rigid development frameworks. It is leads to not only the extinction of endangered
important to acknowledge that the enforcement of animal species but also many plant varieties that
human rights may be facilitated via persistent have immense medicinal value. It is also
advocacy efforts, and the attainment of human responsible for global warming in a massive way.
development can be realised through the
establishment of systematic objectives. However, 7.2 Effects of Climate Change
it is crucial to recognise that human security The drastic changes in the climatic
cannot be enforced nor can it be attained within a variations resulted in poor health conditions of
constrained temporal framework. human beings and earth resources. These have
also spilled dire consequences on the social and
7. CHALLENGES TO SUSTAINABLE environmental aspects of society. The increasing
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT temperature levels and the carbon emissions had
Nigeria has a multitude of problems in severe effects like crop failures, increasing
achieving sustainable development. The droughts, scarcity of food supply, contagious
aforementioned issues arise as a result of the diseases, degradation of the environment,
inconsiderate use of natural resources. The increasing floods and so on. Lack of disaster
degradation of the natural environment has a management methods and systematic
significant influence on the well-being of humans, marginalization of local communities in policy
ultimately impacting their lifespan and thus formulations have increased the vulnerabilities to
influencing overall societal development. The natural and man-made disasters.
future prospects for improved living standards
and quality of life are severely constrained by the 7.3 Governance
degradation of soil, depletion of aquifers, According to Wahlbeck and McDaid
reduction in forest cover, deterioration of urban (2012), the concept of governance for human
environments, and destruction of ecosystems. The development pertains to the administration of
anticipated acceleration in population increase is processes that, within a given society, establish
projected to intensify these pressures, however it the conditions that allow individuals to enhance
is the individuals' spending patterns that hold their capabilities, while also offering
more significance than their sheer numerical opportunities to fulfil their potential and expand
count. Approximately 95 percent of the projected the range of choices available to them. The
population growth, amounting to two billion statement emphasises the role of the state in
people, during the next two decades is expected establishing a conducive political, legal, and
to be concentrated in emerging regions. The issues economic framework to foster the development of
include a combination of natural and human capacities and promote private enterprise.
anthropogenic factors, which will be succinctly Hence, it is essential for governments to exert
examined in the following sections: their authority via authorised entities and strive to
7.1 Deforestation and Desertfication achieve objectives through a fair, socially
The forest resources in India and around conscious, unbiased, and inclusive method that
the world are on the verge of a higher depletion engages the general populace.

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The governance framework aimed at portion of the advantages and resources

achieving sustainable development should accessible within that particular society. Hence,
include a comprehensive approach that addresses disparities in economic resources give rise to
both economic and environmental considerations conditions conducive to social discord and
within the development plan. This approach aggression. An illustration of this phenomenon
should prioritise not only the provision of a high may be seen in the presence of class struggle
standard of living for the population but also the inside society, as well as the international wars
pursuit of social fairness via fair distribution of that arise between affluent industrialised nations
resources. The preservation of citizens' right to and impoverished developing nations. These
development should be a key consideration in instances can be understood as manifestations of
governance, while also prioritising environmental economic violence and inequitable power
issues. The prerequisites necessary for the dynamics. The implementation of neoliberal
attainment of this objective include key principles economic policies by international institutions
such as democracy, autonomy, justice, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
interdependence, responsibility, and World Bank, World Trade Organisation (WTO),
accountability. In order to enhance societal as well as regional agreements like the North
welfare, it is essential for the government to American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and
integrate these attributes into its policy the collective actions of the Group of Eight (G-8)
formulation and programme development. nations, have been seen to sometimes result in
significant economic disruptions that may be
7.4 Economic Violence characterised as instances of severe economic
Economic violence emanates from the violence.
underlying framework of production interactions
and engenders repercussions for both labourers 7.5 Corruption
and customers. Economic violence manifests in Corruption has became global
several forms, such as poverty, inequitable hiring phenomenon, and we seem to take shelter under
practises, inadequate access to healthcare, this caption and hardly do anything against it.
unemployment, and wage suppression. The Money seems to be the sole agent which moves
presence of inequitable economic power things forward. Corruption has become so deep-
structures gives rise to circumstances in which rooted that we are forced to be part of this corrupt
some social groups own a greater amount of system. To stand for truth, to be genuine in this
capital compared to other groups. Consequently, world seems to be a herculean task. The system
the socially and economically advantaged groups has got so corrupted that people resort to violence
exploit others by leveraging their privileged and killing to get the target achieved. The
position. The presence of inequitable economic corruption gets an added ground due to the poor
systems is seen as a manifestation of the governance. The unequal distribution of land,
government's inability to provide individuals' property and opportunities will ultimately lead to
access to fundamental necessities. a kind of violent revolution.
Individuals experiencing poverty are Corruption is one of the major
confronted with a multitude of adversities, contributing factors to the crime of trafficking. It
including but not limited to economic is both an underlying root cause and a facilitating
deprivation, insufficient access to sustenance, and tool to carry out and sustain this illicit trade. In its
malnourishment. Conversely, affluent members worst forms, corruption can also ensure safe
of the same community enjoy a more opulent havens for the profits collected as a result of
standard of living. These aforementioned human misery. Unfortunately, there has been
circumstances contribute to people' perception very little exploration into the linkages of the two
that they have not been granted an equitable phenomena. Corruption can emerge before,

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during and after the actual trafficking crime, • The global death toll from terrorism over
which means that corruption is not limited to the past decade ranged from 8,000 in 2010
countries of origin and transit countries, but also to a high of 44,000 in 2014.
facilitates the continued exploitation of trafficking • In 2017, terrorism was responsible for
victims at their destination. 0.05% of global deaths.
Corruption is a major barrier to • Terrorism tends to be very geographically-
sustainable development in every country that focused: 95% of deaths in 2017 occurred in
exists. It steals from today’s children the resources the Middle East, Africa or South Asia.
they would need to survive tomorrow. There is a • In most countries terrorism accounts for
direct link between underdevelopment and less than 0.01% of deaths, but in countries
corruption. A good scenario is the public service of high-conflict, this can be as much as
with low income in developing countries, which several percent.
stimulates trivial corruption. The level of
education and enlightenment in these countries 7.7 Environmental Degradation
also put people in ignorance of their statutory The degradation of the environment is
rights, thereby giving room for corrupt leading to an escalation in the depletion of
individuals. resources and the contamination of many nations,
so exerting an increasingly burdensome pressure
7.6 Terrorism on the integrity of water, soil, and air. The
Terrorism is a distinct manifestation of interplay between community production and
political violence primarily aimed at instilling fear consumption habits, as well as the impact of
or terror among a certain populace. Political global climate change, prompts inquiries about
violence may or may not be motivated by the the ongoing ability of the Earth's natural resource
intention to instill terror throughout a population. reservoir to adequately nourish and support an
Occasionally, a specific political person is singled expanding and progressively urbanised
out for the purpose of being ousted from their populace.
position of power, either by an act of murder or After emphasising the significance of
through a broader revolt or violent protest driven sustainable development as a means to attain
by political motivations. human progress, it is imperative to acknowledge
Terrorism is a pervasive phenomenon on a that its realisation requires substantial dedication
worldwide scale, and in comparison to other and, akin to many aspects of life, it confronts
nations, Nigeria confronts a diverse array of several obstacles on its path. It is worth
terrorist organisations. India has been confronted acknowledging that sustainable development has
with many forms of terrorism, including religious similar significance in both developing and
terrorism, separatist terrorism, and left-wing industrialised nations, despite their contrasting
terrorism. India is considered to be among the positions on the spectrum. Developed nations
nations that have seen significant impacts from have a high level of socioeconomic advancement;
acts of terrorism. Based on data from the United nevertheless, this does not automatically
States State Department, it has been reported that guarantee their sustainability. In these countries,
the United States, representing around 17.5% of the primary objective is to address societal
the world population, is associated with challenges, including but not limited to social
approximately 2% of global terrorism-related disparities, effective waste disposal, and
deaths (Mohammadi, 2021). environmental stewardship. The present issues of
• Over the past decade, terrorists killed an sustainable development have been recognised by
average of 21,000 people worldwide each the International Young Nature Friends (IYNF)
year. (Markovic, 2009). Lack of financial resources to
carry out and plan for sustainable development.

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1. Sustainable development is often not possible concerns, as well as a knowledge of the

in war-torn countries as there are other interconnectedness between these concerns,
priorities on hand. livelihoods, and overall existence. This
2. Natural occurrences, such as earthquakes and understanding is particularly crucial when
tsunamis, can pose a threat to sustainability as considering the impact on marginalised
they can shift the flow of water and destroy populations and those who are economically
certain elements of infrastructure. In the disadvantaged. The diminishing faith in the
village of Ramche in Nepal, the only source of substitutability of vital resources, together with
water was shaken, off course by the the reliance on future technological solutions, fails
earthquake of 2015 and as a result of the to address the increasing risks to human survival
difficulty of access to the village, it has been a and the broader ecosystem. The idea of SHD is
water facing crisis. Expenditure on bottled characterised by a dual nature, including both
water in the village has in turn grown and in insufficient and excessive elements. The provided
many other areas in Nepal undergoing a information is deemed insufficient as it fails to
water crisis, people resort to drinking and adequately assist us in answering the complex
cooking with E-Coli infected water as an act of concerns we encounter. To effectively tackle these
desperation (Mulmi, 2022). Meanwhile inquiries, a comprehensive grasp of nature,
tsunamis in Southeast and East Asia may pose science, society, and morality is necessary.
a threat to the already existing sustainable Furthermore, the information provided is
infrastructure, such as the destruction of excessive in its rhetorical effectiveness, hence
means of public transport in Japan (Mulmi, concealing its inability to fulfil its promises.The
2022). concept of Sustainable Human Development has
3. The governmental conflict between been criticised for lacking substance. Those who
immediate profit and investment in advocate for it acknowledge certain concerns,
sustainable technologies. In Poland, the particularly the imperative to prevent
government has even increased financing unwarranted harm to the environment that
towards the mining sector instead of moving supports human life, and the necessity of
full steam ahead towards adopting pursuing a development trajectory that promotes
sustainable energy sources, with coal the broadening of genuine human freedom for as
amounting towards 80% of total energy many individuals as possible. While this
generation in Poland. These measures are accomplishment is undeniably significant, it is
thought to have been implemented as a move regrettable that the phrase has often been used
to win miners’ votes in the south of Poland. only for superficial purposes. Having a
4. Corruption. Funding to developing countries comprehensive grasp of the limitations put on
is usually provided through foreign grants, in human actions and sustainability by the
the case of Nepal, foreign grants constitute the environment is of equal significance. Numerous
majority coming from the UK. Nevertheless, strategies for achieving sustainable development,
due to bureaucracy and corruption in Nepal, particularly those advocated by economists, have
in order to pass certain development projects assumed a significant level of interchangeability
a stipend needs to be paid to ministers as well across different resources used in human
as service fees to the Nepal government which economic endeavours and in facilitating the
significantly slows down NGO processes. circumstances necessary for human well-being.
Despite the formidable challenges faced
8. CONCLUSION by most developing nations, the attainment of
Effectively addressing the problem of sustainable development remains feasible.
sustainable human development (SHD) requires a Nevertheless, this endeavour requires a
comprehensive examination of individual substantial and synchronised effort. The

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