When it comes to solving global poverty issues, it is often the poorest nations in the world that are among the most underdeveloped. There are several issues that researchers, policymakers and non-governmental organizations are seeking solutions to which may be solvable through sustainable development.

Sustainable development refers to meeting current life-sustaining needs while also keeping future generations in mind. Sustainable development also seeks to tackle a few main goals in developing nations such as poverty reduction, the creation of new, sustainable markets and in general, a longer-lasting, more diverse environment within which communities can continue to thrive. With these goals in mind, sustainable development can be a potential solution to global poverty.

Economic development, education and access to healthcare are of primary focus when it comes to ending global poverty, which involves some kind of development, be that in the form of schools, hospitals or urban centers within which governments can better develop social reforms and make policy decisions. However, there are some inherent consequences to development, including pollution from waste materials, production of raw materials and energy outputs, as well as the effects of corruption and unstable governments. Sustainable development, unlike other solutions, has the potential for lasting positive effects on the communities that utilize it as well as in international relationships.

While sustainable development may seem like a fast track solution to ending global poverty, there are obstacles that need to be overcome. Technological innovations can be expensive and difficult to come by, making sustainable development difficult. However, groups such as the United Nations are committed to learning from the past and setting stringent goals for poverty reduction that include sustainable development by beginning with basic needs such as equality for women, empowerment in poor communities, social reform support and working with donors to supply impoverished areas with what they need to grow sustainably.

– Casey Hess

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