Sister Cities Network for Sustainable Development

Sustainable Economic Development

The Role of Economic Development in Sustainable Development

Sustainable economic development is crucial to the prolonged improvement of a community. It fosters an economic system that aids short-term development while also providing the potential for healthy, long-term development. As with good governance, sustainable economic development also thrives from the involvement of many community stakeholders.

Sustainable economic development is considered one of the three pillars of sustainable development, along with social development and environmental protection. Sustainable economic development can be seen in the improvement and advancement of local industries as well as in a more conscientious approach to the use of land, water, energy, and other resources. Delivering a more sustainable economy takes a critical look at production and consumption patterns with an eye towards increasing efficiency, reducing wastes and by-products, and minimizing environmental degradation.  We need to do more with less. This necessitates making better use of resources, increasing investment, promoting stability and competition, developing a skilled labor force, and rewarding hard, well-done work. Sustainable economic development seeks to create an innovative foundation for positive, long-term community growth.

Specific issues members of the Sister Cities Network for Sustainable Development may focus on include:

"Promoting local action for global issues"