It’s no surprise that ‘sustainability’ has found its way into our lexicon of
catchphrases. This is something we hear about a lot these days; usually comes
up in the context of the environment; society and communities; equality; education; the economy and so on. Sometimes abused in the quest for power and positioning.


But do we understand the essence of sustainability, how this affects us and more importantly, our role in enabling it?  


Mirriam Webster’s definition of sustainable is “able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed; involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources; able to last or continue for a long time”. That requires intention and action. 


‘Living in the moment’ is my daily struggle. Anything bigger than that feels overwhelming. All of a sudden, sustainability feels like a burden. Is it that? A problem?

Every day, we hear how innovation is the currency of sustainability and progress.

One of the characteristics of 4IR is its rapid acceleration of change. Every day, we hear how innovation is the currency of sustainability and progress. What was once held as the preserve of those in Silicon Valley is what every individual, entrepreneur, business, and even school-going children, are encouraged to aspire to; be innovative, find creative solutions.


Innovation is not a new construct. However, access to information via the Internet and increased exposure has given it broader expression. Does this mean that we’re smarter? More collaborative? Aligned with our common humanity and need for sustainability? When the concept of the Global Village was first pitted by Canadian media theorist, Marshall McLuhan in 1962, it was too abstract for the average person. 


Fast-forward to today; we’ve lived in the Global Village and there are now clear indicators from some sectors to close borders and retract into fiefdoms that serve the interests of a few at the expense of many.


Since it’s inception in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has strived to “take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more”.

The basic premise is that a common vision provides a beacon for consolidated, meaningful action that will lead to mass mobilisation and change.

In 2015, seven decades after formation, this organ of global sustainability reignited its pledge to peace and prosperity for people and planet with the introduction of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all UN Member States. This resulted in the creation of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – to work towards the attainment of the unified goals. The basic premise is that a common vision provides a beacon for consolidated, meaningful action that will lead to mass mobilisation and change.


The enormity of the challenge of global sustainability is huge, each country’s prosperity is intricately linked to all. The pursuit of evolution and change often requires the release of previously held views and ways of doing things to make way for something new and the average human being resists this at all costs.


In his opening address at the UN High-level Political Forum on sustainable development held in New York on 16 July 2019, Richard Curtis, screenwriter, producer, film director and SDG advocate implored the global community to focus on the power of partnerships to consolidate and work together; to never forget the urgency of the goals, especially for the millions whose daily lives are severely impacted, and set deadlines; and finally, to focus on the unique opportunity that we have to be the generation that can make it happen.

There’s no ‘us’ without ‘them’.

So, what does sustainability mean for you and I? First, let’s understand that we’re
intricately bound and connected by our common humanity. There’s no ‘us’ without
‘them’. 


Here in South Africa, we refer to it as ‘Ubuntu’. Second, let’s get ourselves
educated on the 17 SGDs. They’ve been articulated in simple, easy-to-understand
terms making them widely accessible. Awareness is the first step to action. Next,
we need to interrogate how our daily actions – within our families, circles of influence, communities, business and the environment – can make a difference.


Think of it as being more creative and innovative in our approach to life. When we encourage a spirit of continuous growth and development, we not only empower ourselves, we build our collective legacy.


The Universe operates on a system of balance, giving change both positive and negative consequences.  It’s never easy to step out of our comfort zones but we’re presented with an opportunity which we must not lose. Next year, there is just one decade to reach 2030. Urgent action is required.


Sustainability is more about what we do and less about what we say. Start today.