Sustainable development, defined as meeting present needs without compromising future generations, has become a central theme globally over the past four decades. High-level commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the 2030 Agenda signify international dedication to sustainable practices across governments, international bodies, businesses, and civil society. Infrastructure systems, including energy, transportation, water, waste management, and digital communications, play a crucial role in providing essential services and supporting modern society. These systems, both networked and non-networked, are interconnected, forming a complex web that influences sustainable development goals.
The importance of infrastructure in sustainable development is evident in its explicit mention in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and its contribution to other SDGs like clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). Non-networked infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings, plays a prevalent role across various SDGs, including education, healthcare, and the rule of law. Understanding the intricate connections between infrastructure and sustainable development is vital for advancing the SDGs and achieving long-term global sustainability.
Despite the intuitive relationship between infrastructure and sustainable development, its full potential remains underexplored in theory and underutilized in practice. This study aims to delve into the specific influences of infrastructure, both networked and non-networked, on the SDGs. Through concrete examples, it elucidates how infrastructure contributes to sustainable development in practice, thereby aiding the advancement of the 2030 Agenda and promoting a more sustainable future for all.
See more:
Infrastructure_underpining_sustainable_development_EN.pdf (unops.org)
