How can you promote inclusive and sustainable growth?

1 What is inclusive and sustainable growth?

Inclusive and sustainable growth is a type of economic development that benefits all segments of society, while respecting the environment and the needs of future generations. It aims to reduce poverty and inequality, improve living standards and well-being, and foster social cohesion and participation. It also seeks to minimize the negative impacts of economic activity on the natural resources and ecosystems that support life on Earth.

2 Why is it important?

Inclusive and sustainable growth is important for several reasons. First, it can help address some of the root causes of conflict, instability, and violence, such as social exclusion, discrimination, and injustice. Second, it can enhance the resilience and adaptability of communities and countries to cope with shocks and stresses, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and market fluctuations. Third, it can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global targets for ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity by 2030.

3 What are the main challenges?

Achieving inclusive and sustainable growth is no simple task. It requires a comprehensive, integrated approach that takes into account the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development, as well as a complex interaction of multiple factors like governance, institutions, policies, markets, technologies, culture, and behavior. The main challenges include ensuring growth reaches the poorest and most marginalized groups while reducing rather than widening gaps between different regions, sectors, and genders; making sure growth does not deplete or degrade the natural capital that supports human well-being; managing trade-offs and synergies between growth and other objectives such as equity, efficiency, innovation, and security; and mobilizing the necessary resources, capacities, and partnerships to implement and monitor policies that support inclusive and sustainable growth.

4 What are some of the best practices?

No single solution exists for promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, as different contexts require different approaches and strategies based on the opportunities and constraints present. However, some of the best practices identified by various sources include adopting a people-centered and participatory approach, aligning national and local development plans with international frameworks, strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks, promoting a diversified and competitive economy, investing in human capital development, enhancing environmental sustainability, and building effective partnerships. These practices can empower and engage all stakeholders, create decent jobs and livelihoods for all, ensure equal access to quality services for all citizens, adopt low-carbon technologies, and foster cooperation among different actors.

5 How can you get involved?

You can play an important role in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in your own context by educating yourself and others about the concept, advocating for policies and initiatives that advance it, participating in consultations and dialogues, contributing to the implementation and monitoring of development programs, and adopting more sustainable behaviors and lifestyles. Additionally, you should hold decision-makers accountable for their actions and results, voice your opinions, share your experiences and lessons learned, reduce your environmental footprint, save energy and water, recycle waste, buy local and organic products, volunteer for social causes, and donate to charitable organizations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?