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There are many definitions of sustainable development and global citizenship, and also much overlap in the definition of the two terms. Some definitions are given below, together with references to further information.

Sustainable Development
Global Citizenship
Education for sustainable development and global citizenship

Sustainable Development:

One of the earlier definitions comes from the Brundtland Commission (1987)

”Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The Brundtland Commission also suggested that economic, social and environmental considerations had to be integrated to address issues of poverty, equity, quality of life, and global environmental protection. At the 'Earth Summit' in Rio in 1992, these principles were adopted and incorporated into 'Agenda 21', a comprehensive set of principles to assist governments and other institutions to implement sustainable development policies and programmes in the twenty first century. Agenda 21 was agreed by over 170 countries, including the United Kingdom. Many of the principles needed local action. Many local authorities, in the UK and around the world, have produced local action plans for sustainable development -- 'Local Agenda 21'.

Another commonly used definition comes from the World Conservation Union / United Nations Environment Programme / World Wide Fund for Nature, 1991

“Improving the quality of life while living within the earth's carrying capacities”

Further discussion on the meaning of Sustainable Development can be found on the following websites:

Welsh Assembly Government's sustainable development pages: www.wales.gov.uk/themessustainabledev

Uniquely among EU Nations, the National Assembly for Wales has a binding legal duty to pursue sustainable development in all it does. This is built into its constitution through Section 121 of the Government of Wales Act:
www.hmso.gov.uk

Sustainable Development Commission:
www.sd-commission.gov.uk

The QCA Education for Sustainable Development site:
www.nc.uk.net

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Global Citizenship

Citizenship is concerned with rights and responsibilities in relation to self, others and the wider community. So it focuses on understanding community relations, the development of political literacy and questions of social and environmental justice.   It is concerned with the linkages and interconnections within local, national and international groupings and the political, economic, social and cultural arrangements of these groups. As such it provides a vital basis for an understanding of the world around us in all its multi faceted aspects, and of our place within it. It is not, however, concerned simply with understanding, rather it seeks to utilize such understanding to promote an active involvement with issues of justice and equality in
the world today.

Oxfam’s definition of a Global Citizen can be found at: www.oxfam.org.uk

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