Sustainable development & the heart for it
I was asked by a friend to share my thoughts on Sustainable Development. I guess we all know what our country’s and the world’s in fact, goal is when it comes to preserving our lives and our planet. But just for a short review, the United Nations has targeted 17 areas where growth and relief is hoped to be achieved. Foremost is the eradication of poverty. Zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnership for the goals.
And locally we have adopted these goals and integrated them into the Philippine Development Plan. Both the government and the private sector have committed to the attainment of these goals. The private sector choosing only portions of it suitable and attainable given their format and the objectives too of their business.
The pains of our planet is more palpable now with the random calamities that strike what used to be unlikely places for them to hit. Climate change has affected the way we move, think and live.
Before, when one would think of investing he would just buy property that he hopes will rise in value with the times. Now, one has to look into its vulnerability to calamities as well. Weather changes and the ferocity of the natural disasters has made food security also a greater concern as we have noted in the recent supply and demand imbalance in our vegetable industry not to mention the continuous battle with diseases that affect our livestock and poultry industries as well.
The different approaches of government and non-government organizations have always had in mind the betterment of man. How we can exist now and help the next generation continue to live in this planet with a good quality of life. That is what sustainable development is really for. The end goal is man living and caring for his environment and all it entails so that the next generation can continue to do the same. Always leaving something more.
So how then would we achieve sustainable development?
It has to start from the heart.
In the Bible, what God has always asked us to examine is our heart. Where is it placed? Is it anchored on self-interest? Is it latched on our genuine concern for others? Is the force that spurs us to pursue a project borne out of pride or is it our true desire to be of help, to make that small contribution that can be piled up into one great impact of success.
Where is our focus? Is it on competing with others so much so that we rally for support for our programs so we can give a name to ourselves?
Building a sustainable program entails belief in the goals themselves. It requires thought, concentration, and the motivation to do good because there should be no other motivation really. It is hard, considering that not all people have the same view on things. But one has to continue to press on. Determination always ends up well when the objectives are virtuous.
Sustainable development then is built on trust, a clear purpose, sustained interest, action and the responsibility for the stewardship of the future entrusted to us.